210 Gallon with sump

[Mcgorman]

Hi everyone,

I’m excited because I was able to secure a 6x2 210 gallon. I’m currently designing a stand underneath it. The tank is drilled with two overflows. My issue is the underneath space will only allow for 25.5 inch clearance. I will have an extra 5.5 inches between cross braces if I need a reactor (I don’t know if that is necessary).

I’m looking for a sump that will be able to handle that height and give me enough room to get into it. Looks like 16” tall is the standard?

The other wrinkle is I’ve never had a sump before. Is there anyone who would talk me through the process? I realize that’s asking a lot but I also know there are fish nerds here who probably like talking about these things .

Finally, I’m still undecided on the eventual stocking. I’ve gone between Frontosa, haps and peacocks, and South American. I know that is not exactly narrowing it down.

Help! I need a filtration expert.

 

[duanes]

If you have hard, high pH tap water(at least pH 7.5 or above), the fronts or haps, or peacocks would probably do well.

If you have soft, low pH (7, or lower,) that is perfect for S Americans.
It's really about your water type that determines what fish will be healthy, or not

As far as a sump goes, a sump can be anywhere,
it can be directly below the tank,
it can be on the side, and kitty corner
or a sump can be on a floor below (in a basement to make maintenance even easier).
As long as the use of gravity is envoled.

I keep my sump slightly below, and kitty corner to my main tank, so I have easy access for maintainence.

There is no one way, no one media other than gravity.

 

[Mcgorman]

If you have hard, high pH tap water(at least pH 7.5 or above), the fronts or haps, or peacocks would probably do well.

If you have soft, low pH (7, or lower,) that is perfect for S Americans.
It's really about your water type that determines what fish will be healthy, or not

As far as a sump goes, a sump can be anywhere,
it can be directly below the tank,
it can be on the side, and kitty corner
or a sump can be on a floor below (in a basement to make maintenance even easier).
As long as the use of gravity is envoled.

I keep my sump slightly below, and kitty corner to my main tank, so I have easy access for maintainence.
View attachment 1567397
There is no one way, no one media other than gravity.

Thank you. Yeah I thought about letting the water make that decision for me. I haven’t had a tank going in this house yet. I’ll test it out of the tap and maybe that will help me narrow things down.