Has any one tried this?

[Jeremy]

I'm thinking of a modified verson of Martin's river set up. Instead of just ussing the power heads to send the water streight back into the tank I was thinkin of rock waterfall.

[TammyLiz]

Are you meaning a paludarium? It has probably been done before but I'm not sure how ideal it would be. I don't think the waterfall alone would create enough current for most hillstreams to be happy, but there may be a way you could use a powerhead hidden below the waterfall as well for that purpose. It may be a better use of space to fill the tank up as far as the fish are concerned if there won't be other inhabitants, unless you have a particular interest in emersed plants or something.

[Mark in Vancouver]

I think you'd be better off simulating a waterfall by having the outflow of the powerheads flow over stones. To get the proper current for hillstream and brook loaches, you'd need to have an immense amount of water "falling." You'd face spilling and higher evaporation rates, IMO.

[Martin Thoene]

Yes, all of the above caveats, plus I'll throw in noise as a factor too.
I'm sure it is possible to do, but as stated you'll need other power-heads to give sufficient current or a HUGE pump. Then that throws into the mix immense suction on the intake which needs to be diffused so as not to pull in fish.

Martin.

[Jeremy]

Thank you for the input/insite all, and I probally should of been more in detail the set up. the tank is going to be 55 and simmilar to paludarium, multible intakes for it which should lessen the amount of suction. In a former life LOL I was a cichlid nut so I don't think much of haveing just the 5 sumos in it. the other defrance i beleve will be in that I'm going to make a fiberglass board with a smaller rocks resined to it and laid at an angle, with focussed outlets along the way down. I used to work for one of the fiberglass reef tank company, building the tanks/reefs. I just wanted to get an idea on if anyone else has done it, to see if this is somthing other people have had tried before to see if there are other pitfalls to worry about. On the noise after 57 tanks being in the house at one piont it should be deal able I hope but thanks for the thought that is one I didnt think off.

[shari2]

Jeremy,

If you do decide to DIY this idea, take pics and post the progress. I'd love to see how you do it!

[TammyLiz]

Although I'm not in a place in my life that I'd be able to undertake something so extensive, I'd be interested to see how it is done and how it turns out, too.