210 Gallon with sump

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Mcgorman said:
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.
Click to expand...
Another option is to plumb an FX6 (21" height) on each of your overflow weirs :thumbsup:
 
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Drilled tanks are typically made for sumps, but it doesn't have to be so. I have been thinking about plumbing FX6's to my 500gal tank because the sumps are a PITA to keep clean. I got the tank used, & it doesn't have filter socks, it has twin sumps with wet/dry towers. There's not a comfortable amount of space under the stand to easily maintenance the towers, and there is not enough height to install shut off valves on the drain lines. The first tray where the filter floss is housed is hard to access, & with large waste producing fish & heavy feeding, the trays require weekly maintenance & rinsing of the filter floss.
FX6's, whilst also needing to be regularly cleaned, have shut off valves & the entire canister can then be removed completely from under the stand for ease of cleaning &/or maintenance. Once clean, simply plug the drain & return lines back onto the canister, open the valves and away you go once more. Rotate the cleaning every other month to keep the biological filtration maximized.
The biggest down side for me, is that I would really need 4 FX6's, but you're 210g would be fine w 2.
 
I have 2 tanks both with sumps under the tank and I think they are great. Easy access to the sumps. I clean/change water every 2 weeks. I pump out the sumps every time I do the cleaning. I remove the floss and sometimes the flat sponge and clean them out in the sink.
But you do need to make sure you have space for the plumbing and access to the sump for cleaning.
Both of my sumps have removable tops on all chambers which facilitate pumping out the sump and cleaning the sump (about every 6 months). And of course for putting the pumps and bio media in.
 
I have had canister filters for my tanks (back in the day). Many people like them. I don't. Love the sumps. And with wet/dry sumps you get a lot of a aeration. So no airstones in the tank. I also put the heaters in the sump.
 
My 180gal sump with filter socks is a breeze to change out socks and filter floss. My 100gal and 29gal sumps are wet/dry and slightly more involved during bi-weekly maintenance. I've used FX6's and FX4's in the past and think of them as nitrate factories. Lugging them to my washroom sink or outside to clean is a chore comared to the sump maintenance.

My clear choice for aquariums bigger than 125 gallons is a sump, preferably one with easy access and filter socks.
 
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I agree. I like sumps conceptually, they just need to set up correctly. Mine aren’t, but I had no say so cause I got the set up pre-loved.
It’s pretty much whatever suits the individual. After participating in this thread I think I’m gonna re-look at how I might modify my under the tank plumbing and see if I can’t make my setup more user friendly 🤗
Heaters can always be placed out of sight behind the weir on tanks with overflows that have canisters plumbed. Lots of options for sure. Just gotta work out what suits/works best for yourself.
Any style of filtration has the potential to be a nitrate factory if not kept well. You are right tough Ken, an FX6 canister full of water is not the easiest item to transport for cleaning 🤙🏼
 
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