Sump Question

[HEX805]

It's a pond pump. The reason why is it outputs 2400 GPH with 0 head. It outputs 2000 GPH at 60 inches head height, which is what I estimate you'll have. I figure you'l have a 30 inch tall tank, on a 30 inch stand, so you'll have 2000 GPH output. Probably a little less than that.

That calculates to around 8 X turnover rate for a 240 Gallon tank. So, that's what I'd recommend. You might wanna go with a Max-Flo 2900, though, for the same price. Either way, you'll probably be alright.

It's a submersible pump, so it'll go inside the sump, so you don't have to drill the side of your sump like you would for an external pump.

And I have 2 of them on my tank, and I've had no trouble with them for 2 years now--so they're reliable.

This is the pump you're talking about right?

https://www.amazon.com/Laguna-Max-Flo-Electronic-Waterfall-Filter/dp/B000HAU4RW

 

[ragin_cajun]

Yep. That's it.

 

[HEX805]

Ended up taking some of the advice here and redid my sump with glass baffles. First Chamber will house my mechanical filtration, what do you guys recommend I use? Second Chamber will house my Biological Filtration, What media do you recommend I use for that as well?I was thinking ceramic rings.Then an air trap, Third chamber obviously will house my heaters and Laguna Max Flo 2900 gph pump.

What do you guys think of this Harbor Freight Pump here?
Looks like it's the same design of the Max Flo. Seems legit to me as an alternative option.

http://www.harborfreight.com/submersible-waterfall-pump-68418.html

I Believe it pushes 2150GPH, for the price it sounds good. Any of you have any feedback? thanks

 

[ragin_cajun]

For mech filtration, I'd recommend 2 or more filter socks. For bio filtration, I'd recommend one of the pumice stone products--Seachmem Matrix/Pond Matrix, or locally procured "pumice stone". I've never seen "pumice stone" for sale anywhere near me, but others claim they can buy it super cheap in their area and it's the same thing as Pond Matrix.

I've seen somewhere on here somebody tried that Harbor Freight pump and it worked well. It's about half the price of a Laguna, and Laguna's are already cheaper than other pumps. Give it a shot. If I needed a pump, I'd try one.

 

[markstrimaran]

You get what you pay for, generaly.
The harbor freight tools. Will work, but be prepared for it to make some noises as it wears out.
I have some harbor freight tools, and dewalt, my dewalt tools have out lived all of my harbor tools by many years.

 

[HEX805]

For mech filtration, I'd recommend 2 or more filter socks. For bio filtration, I'd recommend one of the pumice stone products--Seachmem Matrix/Pond Matrix, or locally procured "pumice stone". I've never seen "pumice stone" for sale anywhere near me, but others claim they can buy it super cheap in their area and it's the same thing as Pond Matrix.

I've seen somewhere on here somebody tried that Harbor Freight pump and it worked well. It's about half the price of a Laguna, and Laguna's are already cheaper than other pumps. Give it a shot. If I needed a pump, I'd try one.

I heard that matrix stuff gets pretty dirty often? How often will I need to clean the sump? Also heard those socks get clogged easily? How about sponges?

 

[HEX805]

You get what you pay for, generaly.
The harbor freight tools. Will work, but be prepared for it to make some noises as it wears out.
I have some harbor freight tools, and dewalt, my dewalt tools have out lived all of my harbor tools by many years.

The reviews all seem positive, I'm going to give it a shot plus I have a 25% off coupon.

 

[ragin_cajun]

I change filter socks every 3-4 weeks--takes about 5 minutes. I may shake the dust off the pond matrix once or twice a year maybe? It's in a bag, I just shake the bag in the sump, some dust comes off.

My 540 setup is less trouble than my 125 Gallon. If you keep a sump simple, use enough filter socks so they last a few weeks, they're VERY low maintenance.

 

[HEX805]

I change filter socks every 3-4 weeks--takes about 5 minutes. I may shake the dust off the pond matrix once or twice a year maybe? It's in a bag, I just shake the bag in the sump, some dust comes off.

My 540 setup is less trouble than my 125 Gallon. If you keep a sump simple, use enough filter socks so they last a few weeks, they're VERY low maintenance.

How much of the Pond Matrix do I need?

 

[HEX805]

Just saw the price of Pond Matrix, kinda pricey. Is there a less expensive option that works just as good?