Two Fluval FX6's or Custom Sump

[The-Almighty-Zugs]

So I will be getting a 160-180 gallon acrylic tank built here soon and need to finalize filtration. I had thought I was going to get two FX6's but now I'm considering a sump. The tank will house a Piraya Piranha so it needs a lot of filtration. What do you guys think? Sump or 2 FX6's? What will the downsides be to a sump? Downsides to the canister filters?

 

[celebrist]

Sump for sure if you can

 

[dr exum]

Both!

 

[The-Almighty-Zugs]

Both!

Can't as I don't have that much to spend.

 

[dr exum]

Can't as I don't have that much to spend.

I hear ya,

Petco has pro clear wet drys and you can get fx6 at pets mart on sale from time to time and Black Friday for sure!

 

[The-Almighty-Zugs]

I hear ya,

Petco has pro clear wet drys and you can get fx6 at pets mart on sale from time to time and Black Friday for sure!

Like are two fx6's enough and would a sump just be redundant? Or does it really make that much of a difference.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Like are two fx6's enough and would a sump just be redundant? Or does it really make that much of a difference.

Two FX-6s would be good for a tank that size. I'd go with the sump given the option, but that's likely to be more setup, noise and humidity if that's a concern. But, likely better water quality and easier to clean.

 

[epond83]

I like having a sump because maintenance is easier which means I'm more likely to do it.
A canister filter looks fine from the outside and is a pain to check if it needs cleaned.

 

[The-Almighty-Zugs]

Two FX-6s would be good for a tank that size. I'd go with the sump given the option, but that's likely to be more setup, noise and humidity if that's a concern. But, likely better water quality and easier to clean.

How are you supposed to clean a sump anyway? The reason I am not so sure about a sump is because I'm not very handy and really wouldn't trust something I made. I know someone that could build and ship a 75 gallon sump to me for $1300. The idea would be filling it 1/3 of the way up to make room for more water in case the power goes out. Making it myself I guess would cost me $600. Two FX6's cost about $1000 all together.

 

[The-Almighty-Zugs]

I like having a sump because maintenance is easier which means I'm more likely to do it.
A canister filter looks fine from the outside and is a pain to check if it needs cleaned.

How are you supposed to clean a sump anyway? The reason I am not so sure about a sump is because I'm not very handy and really wouldn't trust something I made. I know someone that could build and ship a 75 gallon sump to me for $1300. The idea would be filling it 1/3 of the way up to make room for more water in case the power goes out. Making it myself I guess would cost me $600. Two FX6's cost about $1000 all together.