I am in the process of building a 250 gallon plywood and glass aquarium. I really want to go with a sump for the new aquarium, I was thinking I could use my old 75 for the sump. But on the other hand I also have 2 canister filters. one xp3, and a fluval 305. I plan on putting in native fish, so I don't have to heat the tank. I am concerned that I might weaken the plywood if I drill the bottom of the tank. Also what size overflow drain should I use?, would it be better if I had two overflows that were smaller that connected under the tank? I was thinking if I did use two overflows, I could use smaller drains one at each back corner, and not effect the integrity of the tank as bad. I doubt the 2 canisters would be enough filtration, so I might just add them as extra filtration. Please give me your opinions.
canisters or sump on a 250 gallon
- Thread starter Rmelz
- Start date
Use both. I use a wet/dry sump with 5" thick mechanical that I can replace in 5 seconds without turning off the system, extra storage of bioballs, lava rock, ceramic rings for seeding future projects, filter swaps, couple friends and relatives (buy me new box of ceramics I'll give you equal amount of mine deals). Also 2 heaters (1 set ~6 degs lower for backup) and an algae turf scrubber so I rarely do water changes. All that cost me few dollars in PVC. (already had the pump, 20gL tank and stackable containers.)
But if I have emergency maintenance or retrofit ideas and turn off the system I still have a fluval 405 with enough ceramics and mech to keep stable. Also I throw my carbon in the canister when I use it. plus it draws in water lower in the tank to keep the bottom cleaner. The sump overflows only skim the surface
That's my 2 cents on what to use.
How to use is another thing. I've only been running a sump for few months. I know you want the biggest overflow you can stand looking at. I went with a 1" because my tank is not drillable so I has to use a DIY overflow design that would have been a monster any bigger than that. Google overflow setups if you cant find enough info here and YouTube is awesome for DIY sumps! One thing they don't mention is the risk of overflows clogging with plants or dead fish and overflowing your tank. You can prevent this by adding 2 overflows, one will pick up the slack of the other. I did something I havent seen done and made 2 overflows that are Tee'd into 2 overflows. So I have 4 pvc overflow weirs that run into 2 drains.
T
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I'll reread all your questions now and see what I missed
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But if I have emergency maintenance or retrofit ideas and turn off the system I still have a fluval 405 with enough ceramics and mech to keep stable. Also I throw my carbon in the canister when I use it. plus it draws in water lower in the tank to keep the bottom cleaner. The sump overflows only skim the surface
That's my 2 cents on what to use.
How to use is another thing. I've only been running a sump for few months. I know you want the biggest overflow you can stand looking at. I went with a 1" because my tank is not drillable so I has to use a DIY overflow design that would have been a monster any bigger than that. Google overflow setups if you cant find enough info here and YouTube is awesome for DIY sumps! One thing they don't mention is the risk of overflows clogging with plants or dead fish and overflowing your tank. You can prevent this by adding 2 overflows, one will pick up the slack of the other. I did something I havent seen done and made 2 overflows that are Tee'd into 2 overflows. So I have 4 pvc overflow weirs that run into 2 drains.
T
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|_ |
I'll reread all your questions now and see what I missed
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Not sure what you mean by that. Are you going to drill holes for bulkheads or make an over the top PVC loop?
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IF you are familiar with sumps then having one is great. If you have never used a sump they can be a little complicated so make sure to read up on them allot.
I would use those 2 canisters and run a sump, never can have to much when it comes to filtration.
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