Need Some Filtration Help

[erk628]

No I've never used a sump before. Thats was one thing that I was think about though. There was a few things that was making me stay away from that idea though. One being I've heard it works best if you have your tank drilled which mine isn't nor do I want to even think about drilling my own holes because I have a knack for screwing things up. My luck I would crack the tank and then go set on the couch and cry. I've seen were you can make a over flow box but I've read that many people have troubles with these leaking and pumping water on the floor.

 

[bitteraspects]

you can make simple overflows out of PVC pipe. if built properly, they are just as effective and safe as drilling the tank. people who have leaking issues, are the ones who didnt bother to make sure it was set up properly to begin with. i use them on many tanks, and they are 100% safe.
the only downfall to a PVC overflow as opposed to drilling the tank, is the aesthetics. a drilled tank gives you a much cleaner look. but considering most canisters and HOB filters rely on an intake pipe that sits in your tank, its really no different. i paint my overflows to match the background of the tank, and theyre not noticeable at all.

the other option is to buy an overflow box (skimmer box). CPR Aquatics makes a good quality product, and the design is nice too. these are usually made out of clear acrylic, and offer a pretty clean look as well.

 

[erk628]

Well I went ahead and sold my wii today and all the games and such seeing how I never play it. Actually it was the wifes idea. So in a few days ill have a little over $200.00. My plan was to get to fx5s I've seen then going for 219 including shipping brand new on ebay. I was planning on getting one this week running it with my two hobs while I save up for the other one. Once I have the money for the other one that one should be cycled enought to were I could pull off one hob and replace it with the other fx5. Run it like that tell that one cycles then pull the last hob off. But. Now you guys got me thinking about a sump. What would I wanna use for a sump another tank or a rubbermaid container? Would it be cheaper then two fx5s would it work better?

 

[bitteraspects]

both a tank or a rubbermaid container would work. of course the rubbermaid tub would be a much cheaper route.

going with a large DIY wet/dry sump would be a lot cheaper than the 2 FX5s, and if set up properly, can be just as, if not more effective.
of you could split the difference and build the sump, and get just one FX5.

with the sump, your only real cost is the return pump. but if you know where to look, even these can be pretty reasonably priced.

 

[erk628]

One problem I can see with that is getting the tank or rubbermaid container under my tank. Actually theres two problems I see. My stand had three doors on it and I don't know if I would be able to fit a tank/container in there. IF I got it through the door it would be know problem its just getting it in the door that may be the problem. Also the bottom of the stand doesn't go all the way to the ground just the out sides do so I don't know if it would hold it. What size tank/container would I need? My tank measurements are 72 inch's long x 18 inches wide x 29 1/4 from the bottom of the bottom trim to the top of the top trim and 25 1/4 inch's from the top of the bottom trim to the bottom of the top trim. My overall goal is to have a heavily planted tank with co2 so I don't know if a sump would cause problems with this or not.

 

[bitteraspects]

many people use sumps with planted tanks, but it takes a little tweaking. the problem, with using a sump with Co2 is the Co2 gassing off. you would need a submerged media sump as opposed to a wet/dry.

generally, you want your sump to be 1/4-1/3 the size of the display tank. so youre looking at around a 50g sump.

it is absolutely possible to go with a sump, but it may be easier to just get a canister.

 

[erk628]

Thanks for the help bitteraspects yeah I think it will be easier for now to go with a couple canisters.I have a 29 I plain on setting up before long so I may give it a try on there.