Hey guys. So I'm finally hoping to finalize filtration for my 220g tank that will be for my gars and bichirs 
headbang2). I had initially planned on using a sump, since it has built in overflows and bulkheads. I even have a 50g glass sump mostly built, with a pump, heaters, and filtration media ready to go.
However, I've been thinking more and more that I might rather plumb a couple of canister filters to the tank instead. I am getting my tax return back in the next couple of weeks, so I should the fundage to pick up a pair of pretty much whatever canister I want.
I would have to upload some pics of the tank for this next part to make sense, and I'll try to do that once I get home from work. The tank has dual overflows, with a single return. My idea is this:
1. Drill new holes in the tank for the drain and return lines for the canister filters.
2. Use the current single return bulkhead as the drain for a separate closed circuit pump.
3. Use the bulkheads in the bottom of the overflows as returns.
4. Fill the overflows with a buoyant biomedia such as K1, or bioballs, etc. The water would flow UP through the overflow towers, through the media, then out through the teeth into the tank.
What do you guys think of this idea? I would use a fairly low power pump for the closed circuit (probably 250-500 gph) to increase contact time with the biomedia.
Would I even need 2 canisters then, or do you think all the bio in the overflows would be enough to only need 1 canister for water polishing and additional bio?
headbang2). I had initially planned on using a sump, since it has built in overflows and bulkheads. I even have a 50g glass sump mostly built, with a pump, heaters, and filtration media ready to go.However, I've been thinking more and more that I might rather plumb a couple of canister filters to the tank instead. I am getting my tax return back in the next couple of weeks, so I should the fundage to pick up a pair of pretty much whatever canister I want.
I would have to upload some pics of the tank for this next part to make sense, and I'll try to do that once I get home from work. The tank has dual overflows, with a single return. My idea is this:
1. Drill new holes in the tank for the drain and return lines for the canister filters.
2. Use the current single return bulkhead as the drain for a separate closed circuit pump.
3. Use the bulkheads in the bottom of the overflows as returns.
4. Fill the overflows with a buoyant biomedia such as K1, or bioballs, etc. The water would flow UP through the overflow towers, through the media, then out through the teeth into the tank.
What do you guys think of this idea? I would use a fairly low power pump for the closed circuit (probably 250-500 gph) to increase contact time with the biomedia.
Would I even need 2 canisters then, or do you think all the bio in the overflows would be enough to only need 1 canister for water polishing and additional bio?
