Big fish with Big poop, I need ideas

[prcdslnc13]

In my 125 its stock fairly heavily with SA Cichlids. Right now my water stays kinda decent, but not at all sparkling like I want. Im looking to completely redo the filtration on it. Im wanting to build a new sump with a 20H (its the biggest I can get into my stand) and run a Mag 12 or something of the like for the return pump.

Ive got a pretty good idea of how im actually going ot make the sump itself, but my question is, whats a good way to get that big heavy poop to move to my overflows? Im probably going to do 2 DIY overflows out of 1.25" pvc to get my overflow rate where I want it, and have each one dump into a filter sock.

Any ideas on how to plumb my returns for maximum poop removal?

 

[epond83]

The main thing is to have water movement in the tank so that debri (poop) stays suspended in the water long enough to get sucked out.

Either with multiple returns facing different ways and/or power heads to keep things moving. Looking at saltwater set ups shoult help.

 

[prcdslnc13]

I was thinking of adding a couple of Korillias toward the bottom of the tank just to keep things moving. I could do that with my return pipes too though

 

[davidtcb1]

Yep, the Korillias will do great. If you put one on the left wall of the tank that blows along the back of the tank, and one on the right wall that blows along the front wall (or visa versa), you should have a nice 360 degree rotation that will keep things moving nicely toward the overflow. One up toward the top and the other down a little lower will help too, to get stuff that originates toward the bottom. I'd also suggest a large canister on the opposite end of the overflow...an eheim or Rena Xp3/Xp4 would be good ideas. You could fill the XP with several layers of mechanical media to keep the debris maintained. Weekly or bi-monthly large water changes should prevent having to worry about using carbon.

 

[KaiserSousay]

The main thing is to have water movement in the tank so that debri (poop) stays suspended in the water long enough to get sucked out.
Never have been a fan of long stringies floating around.
Would much rather have the poop skitter around the bottom, and gather in an easily reached spot for removal.
The Hydors` do an excellent job of that.
A few minutes spent with tube, hose, and bucket seems allot easier to keep the tank clean.
Much less costs involved as well.
$0.02