440 gallon filtration

[Pulcher]

Picked up a 440 gallon this weekend and wanted to know what would be the best filtration for the tank. It does not have overflows installed, only two 1 inch holes at the back corners. I am wondering if I should drill extra holes for filtration and also wondering if an overflow box is necessary. I will be keeping datnoids, Pbass, bichirs and other monster fish in the tank.

 

[DIFish]

Congrats on the pick up, large tanks can be a ton of fun. A sump is almost always the way to go for larger tanks with heavy bio loads. I am pretty partial to filter socks and k1, which is pretty common here. I always recommend a drip system if you can install one. Depending on the gph you run you will most likely end up needing more/ bigger holes for the plumbing. Always check and know what you are doing before drilling holes in a tank that size.

 

[nzafi]

You can always run something like an ultima II filter. Use the drilled holes for the returns and then just run the intakes over the top so you don't need to drill more holes. Sump would be cheaper though probably.