240 filtration question

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903Herp

903Herp

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 23, 2014
261
38
31
North east texas
So I know I have said for awhile that I was moving to a larger tank. First a 240 then life happened and it didnt happen. Then a 125 and life happened again. Well guess what, I have cash in hand and going to pick up a 240 tomorrow. Its an acrylic tank with dual overflow and dual returns. I want to do a sump. With a algea scrubber in the sump. My question is what size tank do I need to build the sump out of? From experiences whats the best design for the sump and is there any other filtration needs that I should know about before gettting into a tank this large.
 
I can't explain it any better than JC1119 did in his 300 Gallon build thread. I read it about 50 times, and then I built my sump. First one I ever built, it works awesome and it's dead silent.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/300-gallon-sa-ce-community-build-thread.423425/

I'd highly recommend a chlorine filter and a drip system in your sump. get a 3 stage chlorine/chloramine filter from thefilterguys.biz. You can call em up on the phone and talk to 'em no problem. They'll tell you all kinds of good stuff to know. Put a drain and a standpipe in the side of your sump, run a 3/4 PVC right outta your house, you'll never change water again.

All I do is vacuum turds and wipe algae off the glass. It's wonderful.
 
thanks for the inpute. Looks like im going with a 75g tank.
 
I went with a 75 on mine, started similar to jc1119's. I probably could have gone with a 55 but the convenience of the extra space in a 75 makes life a lot easier when it comes to maintenance. I also built the stand a little taller for maintenance reasons. I use a step stool for vacuuming the sand and scaping but I can fit my chest over the sump to reach behind it when needed.
 
Well due to finances at this point and needing to get the tank up ASAP I have chosen to run 2x canisters for the time being. My question at this point now a 2 part.

Keep in mind its a 240 8x2x2 reef ready tank dual overflow dual return.
1. How can I plumb the tank for the 2x canisters. Without causing non moving water sitting in the overflow boxes. (I am very new to tanks of this size that are drilled.)

2. Whenever I have the funds to build my sump how would I go about changing over to the sump. Could I do that without having to completely drain the tank.
 
Plug all the holes in the overflow and keep your water level below the weirs just make sure there is not to much pressure on then they will end up cracking. Or go out and buy some white Styrofoam to shove in the overflow boxes to help support them. Then when you have a sump built and plumbed do a 50% water change, pull out the supporting foam and plugs, insert your stand pipes, fill up and do your checks for leakes. The price in canisters will be the same as building the sump imo but that's what I would do.
 
Just food for thought OP...If your plan was to use an tank for the sump, have you priced out cost for used tank for the sump? Factor in a few baffles, media, plumbing and return pump how much more would it be compared to a couple canisters?

I only raise as you already have the internal overflows and drilled so perhaps just go that right one time and be done.

Nothing against canisters, but as you had the intent just want to nudge you through ;-). Ask away if you have sump and PVC plumbing questions.
 
Also, if you are set on canisters could you still use the overflow and set up stand pipes to drain into the canisters? I actually dont know the limitations as I dont have canisters but just a thought.
 
Well I currently do not have the canisters yet. The only reason I went the other direction from the sump is I am currently living with my parents and the tank will be set up in their dining room. My pops has reservations againsts sumps and worried about overflowing the sump/tank. To ease his mind I am going to go with the canisters. I have a professorial coming over to clean coralines and stuff and work on the acrylic so I will ask him about what fittings and the best way to plumb this bad boy.
 
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