Canister filter or sump?

[mif]

Hi,

I am in the process of building an 8x3x2, and deciding on filtration. I am not sure whether I should go Fluval FX5 canister or sump? I am thinking more along the lines of a sump. What are your opinions?

Also, does anyone know much about FW refugium? I know if this was built in I could develop a very large Ben. Bac. colony (with the use of bio balls), and it could house the heaters and diffusers. But there isn't much info on it out there in FW tanks...

 

[Toby_H]

It is very unlikely (if not impossible) to filter an 8' x 3' tank with a single filter... and despite it's solid reputation, an FX5 cirtinly wouldn't do it...

If you use the search feature here you will find some information on freshwater refugiums... and a google search will give you a bit more to compliment what is found here.

When conceptualizing your filtration system, I suggest you strongly consider forms of supplimental water movement (powerheads, Under Gravel Jets, or similar). Dead spots or very low flow areas will cause problems in any sized system...

While considering filtration methods, I also suggest you consider Pressurized Pond Pumps. I've used the Bio Force 2000 for indoor aquarium use and was quite pleased. Using the search feature you will be able to find several threads where I have elaborated on my experience and methods with them.

 

[mif]

Thank you for your info. I was heading towards a sump and using powerheads. I would have used two canister filters, but I have heard that they can be quite hard to clean.

I did have a quick look on refugiums on this site, but was after a bit more info on how to set it all up with a sump. I will have to google it

Thank you again for your info.

 

[KaiserSousay]

360 or so gallons on a single fx5 would not be a good idea, unless very lightly stocked, and some added water movers were used. Even then, you would have a poorly filtered, circulated tank.
A single, good sized sump, 100 gallons or more, with a pump capable of moving 1800 gph, or more, might work.
If you set up a pair of overflows and returns, near the tank ends I suppose you could go in that direction.
A sump/canister combination would be another choice, as well as a pair of canisters.
Just remember, flow figures on canisters are usually given as the maximum amount of water they can move. Once you fill them with media, add your hose and other plumbing, stick them under your tank.
Those original flow figures are cut quite a bit, as much as half on some models.

That should be a "killer" looking tank.
What were you going to put in it?

 

[mif]

Thanks Kaisersousay. I think I will go with the sump. It seems the most logical for a tank this size. Thank you for your info!!

I am actually having difficulty choosing stock! I have posted a thread under the cichlids CA/SA, but have no response :-(

I guess I am just going to have to wing it and see how it turns out..

 

[smpage]

If I were you I would go with both the fx5 and a sump.

 

[Egon]

Yeah go with both, you get the best of both worlds. The sump is nice to hide heaters and you can't beat the bio filtration plus the added water capacity is always nice. Closed loop canisters are simple to maintain and will do wonders for water clarity. Bonus you get some redundancy when one of your pumps fail. You wont be completely dead in the water.....

 

[mif]

I hadn't even thought about doing it that way, I only thought one or the other. That's a pretty good idea...Thanks, smpage and Egon!!

 

[Bee0912]

Wet/dry all the way!!!!

I run a 20 gallon DIY wet/dry at 800GPH on my 180 gallon tank for 9 months now and my water is as clear as any on the site. Smart filtration is better than mass amounts or poorly thought out filtraition any day.