250gal Filtration

[thecoolguy]

ok, so when i come back in september, i plan on getting atleast a 200gal, and at most, a 300gal.....i wanna know what you guys think about my filtration plan....

i plan on doing a 75-125gal wetdry/sump.....3 chambers....

1) massive amount of mech filtration - filter sox, followed by 20gal of filter floss
2) massive amount of ceramic ring media (approx. 40-60lbs)
3) return chamber w/ heaters

ceramic media will be 90% submerged most likely

i am basically following suit the types of filtration i am seeing here in asia.....huge sumps, and loads of ceramic.....

in the tank - ill have 2 internal polishing filters w/ powerheads

stocking: 1-2 silver aros, 1-2 jars, 3-6 pbass

what do you think...i am VERY open to ideas.....

my alternative would be quite the opposite type of filtration:
- 1 or 2 fx5's
- 1 fb9000 (those fbf filters)
- couple internal polishers

[JonF]

I agree... I think the Sump is the way to go. Plus... if you feel comfortable building your own... it would probably be the most economical option as well.

Another option (like your alternative you posted) would be to run a couple AC110's set up for mechanical filtration (just sponges), and a a large canister (e.g. Eheim 2260, Rena XP4) set up for biological. I've seen a few large 200-300 gallon tanks set up like this with great results.

- Jonathan

[thecoolguy]

thanks for the input....

i am starting to get into the whole "sump as a show piece" mindset.....

i think wetdry/sumps look great when exposed and neatly done

[LiuHsi]

ya, get the sump like 80% of the tank...

[musichead707]

I have a 240 stocked really heavily with SA/CA cichlids, I have a 55 gallon sump an fx5, xp3, and a eheim 2260, and the tank is pristine, If I had the room to double/triple my sump, I feel i would be able to lose the fx5 and xp3, so a huge sump is the way to go and the cheapest and easiest to maintain in the long run.

[rickylbc]

I would go with the wet & dry/sump for that size tank and the ease of maintenance, you can't go wrong..