Does this filtration sound about right?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
B

broken

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 6, 2009
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Louisiana
Up until when i recently found this site the only filtration that i knew was HOB filters with bio wheels which has worked for me just fine, but now that i found a 640gal tank i think its time to upgrade.
I am thinking of going with a pair of wet/dry sumps made from 55gal tanks each with a 2000gph pump, 3 or 4 power heads for movement and 1 or 2 fx3 pumps.
Does anyone think that this is not enough or too much?
What would you do different?
 
I think instead of two 55g sumps Id prefer a single sump that is at least a quarter of the size of the main tank- so in your case a 160g sump, I think more return flow would also help also- I go for at least 10x turnover rate- 6400gph in your case, and more would be better- and finally, since 2 canisters are going on I would make them FX5s- good luck
 
I agree... 1 big sump with 2 return pumps would be easier & more efficient. You could probably get away with a 100g or smaller sump, if you're also adding 2 FX-5 canisters. A big Sterilite/Rubbermaid-type storage bin from Walmart would make a much cheaper sump than a big glass tank. ~30 bux versus ~300 bux...

EDIT: In my opinion, any container/bin/tank you plan to use as a sump should be as tall as you can fit. That will help to keep gravity working FOR you & allows you to run more water in the sump before your wet/dry just becomes wet. Especially with big-arse pumps like you'll be using... Also, 3- or 5-drawer sterilite units work great for holding your W/D media at the sump inlet. Also found at any Walmart/Target in the same aisle as the bins. Good luck!!!
 
Definately don't run the 2 sumps you are asking for problems. A 125-150g tank or rubbermaid stock tank for your sump will be good. If you do the rubbermaids you can drill it easily and use an external pump Reefflow from what I hear are excellent. I am using a submersable because I was scared to drill my glass sump It is a Supreme Hy-drive. I didn't get it yet so I'm not sure if they are ok but they are high efficiency so it sold me. Shoot for a pump that will do no less than 3600gph. That would be my minimum
 
the reason two sumps is not a good idea is if the pump in in one of the sumps go out,the water level of the main tank will drop to the level of the overflow on the disabled sump- and since both overflows need to be at the same height, I believe you would end up starving the good pump- or something like that
 
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