Filtration for my 300 gallon tank, sump or canisters?

2 FX5/6's or Sump for my 300 gallon tank

  • 2 - FX5/6's

    Votes: 6 35.3%
  • Custom sump

    Votes: 11 64.7%

  • Total voters
    17

Nyczbubba

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 15, 2015
37
65
36
41
Long Island, NY
So I was set on doing a sump until I learned that a 75 gallon tank does not fit in my stand. Also it seems like the magdrive 24 runs about 245 watts. I was thinking of doing 2 FX5/6's and calling it a day fx5 - 50 watt and fx6 43 watt. Also I wouldn't have to drill the tank. What do you think? The sump would have to be custom made it will run me close to 500$ being sump alone not including media and pump and all the plumbing equipment (drilling, bulkheads, pipes, tubing.) The dimensions I would be able to fit is 48"x18"x16" would be roughly 60 gallons. If I go the fx5/6 route depending if I buy used or new can run anywhere from 300-600$. Obviously the higher price would be for 2 brand new fx6's but I see tons of used fx5's for 150 or less. I'd like your opinion on what your take on this is because I can't make my mind up. thanks guys
 

DMD123

Bronze Tier VIP
MFK Member
Oct 23, 2009
7,069
8,714
478
Lakewood, WA
I just set up a 300g myself and did three of the FX5/6 filters. Ive ran the FX5's on my 210g for years and was very happy so when the upgrade came I just added those to the tank too.
 

smitty03281964

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
May 5, 2010
3,650
395
122
Yeadon, Pennsylvania USA
I am still partial to canisters just because it is what I have always used. But the sump I know is preferred by many. However I would be using the Eheim 2260 or 2262, which the latter would be my first choice over the Fuval FX5/6 in a heart beat. As you can see I have both. Both I think the Eheim is a far superior filter.
 
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slippery slimecoat

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jan 26, 2012
928
444
87
New York
Sump all the way. It may be a bit more work during set up, but well worth it imo. I ran canisters for years and just recently went with a drilled tank and sump. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Easier to clean, hide all your equipment, adds water volume to the system, etc. I'd look into other pumps than the mag drive if power consumption is a concern. I'm running a Jebao DCT 6000 that pushes close to 1600 gph (at zero head) and consumes around 45 watts.
 
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jaws7777

Probation Member
Probation Member
Mar 1, 2014
17,773
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White house 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington
2 fx6 will not move enough water for that tank. 2 2262 would work.
 

convict360

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Dec 9, 2013
4,499
1,874
164
Scotland
Sump all the way. It may be a bit more work during set up, but well worth it imo. I ran canisters for years and just recently went with a drilled tank and sump. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Easier to clean, hide all your equipment, adds water volume to the system, etc. I'd look into other pumps than the mag drive if power consumption is a concern. I'm running a Jebao DCT 6000 that pushes close to 1600 gph (at zero head) and consumes around 45 watts.
+1
 

PhysicsDude

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Aug 18, 2011
190
28
61
Dallas, TX
Sump all the way. It may be a bit more work during set up, but well worth it imo. I ran canisters for years and just recently went with a drilled tank and sump. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Easier to clean, hide all your equipment, adds water volume to the system, etc. I'd look into other pumps than the mag drive if power consumption is a concern. I'm running a Jebao DCT 6000 that pushes close to 1600 gph (at zero head) and consumes around 45 watts.
This has been my experience too. Sumps are more initial investment, especially in time and planning, but they provide better filtration overall (if implemented correctly), customizable for any setup, and easier maintenance.
 

Nyczbubba

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 15, 2015
37
65
36
41
Long Island, NY
Sump all the way. It may be a bit more work during set up, but well worth it imo. I ran canisters for years and just recently went with a drilled tank and sump. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Easier to clean, hide all your equipment, adds water volume to the system, etc. I'd look into other pumps than the mag drive if power consumption is a concern. I'm running a Jebao DCT 6000 that pushes close to 1600 gph (at zero head) and consumes around 45 watts.
Would the 6000 be enough or go with the 12000
 
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