Air pumps

Posted by D9VIN on 2011/8/19 18:19:31

So I am thinking about setting up a multitank breeding setup, primarily for xiphophorus and I have a couple queries.
Number a) how much air power to gallons do I need to effectively run sponge filters? Does it vary based on the filter itself? I was planning on using the cheapo's from eBay, I run several in my tanks now and have been pretty pleased, but I might just diy some if I can find some decent priced sponge.
Point 2) I want to do a centralized sump filter, and I have read three times tank size per hour is a good flow rate. Would this hold true for multitanks? I am thinking maybe 16-20 tanks, most likely consisting of sterilites. Is it a good idea to run centralized filter and sponges, or overkill, or maybe self defeating somehow?

As you can tell, I am in the pre-preliminary planning stages, haha. Got a little one who is just about ready to meet the world, so I am kinda feeling out the cost right now.