220 gallon canister or sump

[Irecruitfish]

I'm upgrading from a 56 to a 220 gallon tank. I've only ever used HOB filters and the way the 220 acrylic is set up it was for a sump system with 3 holes in the back and two overflow boxes. (Picture attached)

I want to keep the filtration system inexpensive but also want low maintenance. I'm guessing I can't have both so open to suggestions.

I have no clue how to set up either canister or sump systems but willing to learn.

The stock moving to the tank will be a severum, Senegal bichir, electric blue acara, firemouth cichlid, and black skirt tetras. All fish are juveniles.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I would run a sump and I'm running a sump with my 220.

You already have a 55 so I recommend getting a cheap tote to move your fish into temporarily and converting the 55 into your sump. You don't need baffles but you can install them if you like. I have a thread on how I installed mine.

Since your tank is already drilled all you have to do is run your lines and get the pump(s) for the returns.

The sump will be very easy maintenance since you just have to change out the mechanical filtration every now and then. Canisters are easy but in my opinion, they will be more complicated for you because you will then have to figure out how to plug all the holes that are already in the tank.

I think you should do a bit of reasearch and go the sump route.

P.S. Your picture didn't show up.

 

[ragin_cajun]

Read posts 4-9 of this thread.... http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/sump-help.675946/#post-7594900


You can have a sump that is cheaper than a couple of canisters, very low maintenance, and dead silent. If you buy a single big canister (like an Eheim 2262), a sump won't be much cheaper. But if your tank is so big you need 2 canisters, then a sump will be cheaper.

Cost is not the only factor, as the posts mentioned above explain.

 

[Irecruitfish]

I would run a sump and I'm running a sump with my 220.

You already have a 55 so I recommend getting a cheap tote to move your fish into temporarily and converting the 55 into your sump. You don't need baffles but you can install them if you like. I have a thread on how I installed mine.

Since your tank is already drilled all you have to do is run your lines and get the pump(s) for the returns.

The sump will be very easy maintenance since you just have to change out the mechanical filtration every now and then. Canisters are easy but in my opinion, they will be more complicated for you because you will then have to figure out how to plug all the holes that are already in the tank.

I think you should do a bit of reasearch and go the sump route.

P.S. Your picture didn't show up.

Hope the picture worked. Thanks for the advice and please post your thread on this I would very much appreciate it.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Read posts 4-9 of this thread.... http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/sump-help.675946/#post-7594900


You can have a sump that is cheaper than a couple of canisters, very low maintenance, and dead silent. If you buy a single big canister (like an Eheim 2262), a sump won't be much cheaper. But if your tank is so big you need 2 canisters, then a sump will be cheaper.

Cost is not the only factor, as the posts mentioned above explain.

Thanks I'll check out your thread.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Also, I have spare 5, 10, 29, 55 gallon tanks. This should help me with the sump system.

 

[Timmy]

2 fx6's currently. Adding a third after Black Friday

 

[isde02]

I would use both. A sump and a canister. For redundancy in case one malfunctions, and for better filtration. Sump primarily for bio, canister primarily for mechanical/water polishing.

 

[ragin_cajun]

Look guys....there's only one advantage to running a canister--convenience. You're paying extra for that convenience. And as you get into 180-240 gallon tanks, where you probably need more than one canister to filter a tank.....

 

[DN328]

IMO, if you have a sump set up correctly for your tank there's no need for canister. If you want backup, use two return pumps and call it a day. It does take a bit of planning especially if you use PVC plumbing, and type of stand pipes, etc. Once up and running, you won't go back.