Canisters or sump??

[AquaBarb]

If you had a 6ft 600+ litre tank (160g+), would you use canisters or a sump?

 

[seangee]

If you have one or the other use it. Otherwise use whichever you prefer. I'm assuming you will plant in a similar way to your other tanks - in which case the bio filtration capacity doesn't really matter. So its really just mechanical filtration and circulation that you need.
Is the tank drilled?

 

[AquaBarb]

If you have one or the other use it. Otherwise use whichever you prefer. I'm assuming you will plant in a similar way to your other tanks - in which case the bio filtration capacity doesn't really matter. So its really just mechanical filtration and circulation that you need.
Is the tank drilled?

1 of the tanks im looking at is drilled, the other 2 arent.

I was thinking of purchasing 2 canisters but i wasnt sure if a sump would suit a larger tank better. I dont know much about sumps tbh but i like the fact it saves space in your tanks with everything going in the sump underneath

 

[AbbeysDad]

That's a tough call as both are good and can work. On my 100g stock tank, I have both! But that's partly due to my anoxic biocenosis filtration basket experiment.
I think I just might go with a large canister filter, especially if the tank is not drilled for an overflow as overflow boxes can be tricky.
In the end, either will work, it's just a matter of choice.

 

[Wills]

Canister but only because sumps terrify me.

 

[AquaBarb]

I think im leaning more towards a canister filter myself purely because i know nothing about sumps. But would of considered one if you guys said they were more suited.

Going to look into the fluval FX series

Thanks guys

 

[Wills]

Going to look into the fluval FX series

I have two FX6 for sale if I can tempt you haha

 

[AquaBarb]

I have two FX6 for sale if I can tempt you haha

Ill keep that in mind although 2 fx6's might be over kill for this tank

 

[seangee]

Look at the Hydor external heaters. I ran one for about 15 years with a canister. One less thing in the tank. Even with a canister drilled tanks are so much easier.

 

[AquaBarb]

Look at the Hydor external heaters. I ran one for about 15 years with a canister. One less thing in the tank. Even with a canister drilled tanks are so much easier.

Will do thanks Sean, ive seen some Oase canisters with built in heaters actually. Biggest runs upto a 600 litre i think.

A Hydor with a fx4 might be a good option tho

 

[Wills]

I ran two FX6 on my 500 ltr I wouldn’t take the manufacturer ratings you want to aim for about 6 - 10 times turnover unless you have fish that need lower flow like angelfish or discus. I have an Oase biomaster 250 thermo and it is really great but I don’t think one 600 would do this tank you would need a couple.

Wills

 

[AbbeysDad]

'Stop the insanity' (old Susan Powters [1992] quote) and don't over filter. A single large canister filter should do the job!
Now Fluval is great and the FX6 move a lot of water, but you pay a premium. Reminds me of back in the day the cost of an IBM pc vs. Dell, Acer, or leading edge.
About a year ago I was looking for a canister for my 110g stock tank. I wanted decent capacity at a reasonable price. I chose a Polar Aurora HW 304 B, which is an unbranded Sunsun - 4 trays, 525GPH...for $75! Runs like a champ and I saved a bundle.
Don't get me wrong, Fluval's are a great filter, but they're on the high end price wise.
Then again, I'm a fan of the Aquaclear HOB filters (and have 3 AC70's). (Now Fluval, formerly Hagen). I just might consider an AC110. Or perhaps you go with the canister and add an AC110 if absolutely necessary.
Many options.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Are you planning this one to be heavily planted?

 

[AquaBarb]

The tank will be 660ltrs. I thought of getting 2 fluval 406/7 series at first but with me planning a heavily planted tank im thinking maybe having a single FX series.

 

[AquaBarb]

Are you planning this one to be heavily planted?

Yes it will be heavily planted. Similar set up to my 55g. River steam scape