270g Setup - Filtration Needed

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MZOLLMAN12

MZOLLMAN12

Exodon
MFK Member
Jan 25, 2010
46
6
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Earl Park, IN
So I went and got myself a 270 gallon tank that I'm preparing to setup. This being my first "monster" tank, I am bouncing ideas all over in my head. To start it is 7ft long and not drilled. It did come with a rather large sump and hang on the back overflow.

Where I am at now, is this. I want to plumb suction tubes and power them with power heads to force feed the sump tank. Versus just the skimming of the overflow to do it.

Am I outside my head? Or doesn't anyone have this type of setup going now? Hybrid sump to a canister?

Any pro advice appreciated!
 
Best bet is to let the overflow work.

That way the sump is filling itself through the overflow by pumping itself back into the tank, feeding the overflow. You need one pump like this.

Should you have powerheads feeding the pump, you're risking a failure by adding extra unnecessary moving parts, by introducing a mechanical part (the powerhead) to replace the role of gravity (the overflow).

If in your system the return pump fails for whatever reason, then you risk a flood by having your powerhead continue to fill the sump without a return.

If you have a traditional overflow with a siphon break, if for some reason your return pump (your only pump) fails, then the overflow simply stops overflowing, and hopefully you have something in place for aeration like a bubbler so your fish will be fine and all you have to do is fix your pump.
 
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Agree. A powerhead is not necessary to drain the tank. 1.5" gravity fed drains will move plenty of water. The only time you need a powerhead inside or hanging off the main tank is if you're mounting an overhead sump.

It would be best if you drilled the tank though. I dont trust hob overflows.
 
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I don't trust myself to drill it. I don't like the idea of HOB either. But I will stick to it for now. I like the way canisters work as I used to have FX5's but they are just a PITA to clean. Always liked the sump better in that regards. Thanks guys
 
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