First Large Aquarium

LongPig

Feeder Fish
Apr 10, 2024
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DE, PA
I am planning my first large freshwater aquarium after keeping nano reefs for about 20 years. I plan on setting up a 150 gallon RR and I was wondering what is the way to go for filtration? Canister or sump? If I go with a sump I was also going to add a refugium. I can build my own but I was wondering for those that suggest a sump, what brand are you using currently? So basically sump, canister
 
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duanes

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I use any old tank for a refugium/sump. But I prefer the larger the better.
I use a 125 gal tank, as a sump for my 180 gal tank.
To me those tiny, expensive commercial units are not worth the trouble, and barely superior to cans.
 
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jjohnwm

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To me those tiny, expensive commercial units are not worth the trouble, and barely superior to cans.
This ^ in spades!

Sumps are great because they have so many functional advantages over canisters, advantages which have been detailed numerous times in numerous threads. But a significant percentage of the people who get a sump don't seem to do so because it works so well, but rather because it's a cool, shiny, high-tech-looking piece of plastic that they often display as though it is the main goal of their fish-keeping hobby. And many of those commercial sumps...when viewed through eyes that have used sumps for years or decades as filters rather than as showpieces...are utterly ridiculous and non-functional, with many design choices which are made entirely to look cool but which actually counteract the intended purpose of keeping water clean.

If you go to a home-improvement store and buy some fancy, expensive, designer flush toilet that costs a fortune...but doesn't really flush that well...and then you install it in a bathroom with a clear glass door that allows everyone to see your treasured new toy, and to watch it being used...well, you're heading for that mind-set that leads to something like the Sumpmaster X-1000 Magnum Deluxe. :)
 
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