Filter idea for 220g

[remme]

Was wondering if this little pool filter would work in conjunction w/ the sump I am planning for my 220g tank. Instead of sand I was also thinking about using the pictured filter balls. Does anyone have any experience using small, sand style filters on larger aquariums?

 

[fishguy1978]

Why not use an FX-6 if you want a canister?

 

[danotaylor]

Where/how would you position the sand filter? The noise & heat generated by the pump will be a major consideration, which is a non-issue when outside, but may be an issue depending on where in your home the tank will be…
Also, 0.35HP pump will create a whirlpool in a 220g

 

[remme]

I like the backwashing feature that the multivalve allows for when I want to do quick water changes without vacuuming the gravel. The FX6 is 925gph max and a Ultima 2 1000 is up to a 1000gph; just figured this was similar (1200gph max) for a fraction of the cost. The tank (84x24x24) is going into a finished basement with an unfinished utility room that shares the same wall. I was going to plumb through the wall and have the filter located in the utility room draining into the same sump pump as my slop sink (2640 gph). It was just the beginning of a thought of a possible idea.

 

[remme]

I can always swap the pump for one meant for an aquarium; Something like this: Blueline 30 HD-X External Aquarium Water Pump
- Inlet: 1" MPT
- Outlet: 1" MPT
- Max Total Head (FT): 13
- Max Discharge (GPH) @ 0ft: 1,110
- Input (W): 90
- Length(in): 10
- Width(in): 4
- Height(in): 5

 

[HUKIT]

For $150 it seems like a cool project. You could easily use a ball valve to throttle the return or use a DC pump like a Jebao.

 

[danotaylor]

Seems like you’re essentially wanting to create a fluidized bed for biological conversion. Would that be correct? If so, I would recommend using the sand and not the filter balls. The backwash feature will clear the sand of fine particulate debris that makes it past the sump pre-filter, not sure it would clear the filter balls