Filtration for 135

nomad

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jun 4, 2008
1,555
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Colorado
I’m looking at a 135 g glass custom (55x22 footprint).
I currently have an one year old FX4. I would prefer to stay away from adding another canister due to maintenance. Maybe a big HOB or something internal. As last resort I will consider swapping the fx4 for an fx6.
The inhabitants will be 6 discus, L027 xingu panaque, L024 Cactus pleco, few others small plecos (L239, 333, etc) , cardinals .
I know the bioload wouldn't be exactly small and I’d like to hear your thoughts. Thanks
 

NCHornet

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Apr 27, 2012
81
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NC
I prefer to use a sump on anything larger than 100 gal and I also like to run a canister as well just in case one failed. Has worked great for me and nothing is more versatile than a sump. Just my .02
NCH
 

punman

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Feb 22, 2016
282
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I have a 6 foot long 135 and run either two or three Aqua Clear 110s depending upon quantity and size of fish.
 

Ulu

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2018
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The Sunny San Joaquin
You can keep heaters, airstones, stray fish and plants in a sump. Not possible with cannisters.

Sump pump: any brand will work.
Canister: you buy their parts or nothing.

Sump increases your water supply a lot and isn't pressurized. Less leakage worries. No gaskets to damage.
It's a total no-brainer for me, particularly on a heavily stocked system.
 

nomad

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jun 4, 2008
1,555
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Colorado
Thanks all. I did build a sump for my old 315 but it was acrylic and had an overflow. Not sure how I feel about drilling glass.
I know it’s the right way to do it, but I’m trying to find a second best alternative
 

MrsE88

Bronze Tier VIP
MFK Member
Mar 9, 2017
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I love the 55gl sump on my 135. I had to run two hob filters for a little while when my pump burned up, but they just aren’t nearly efficient enough for me.
 
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Ulu

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2018
1,843
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The Sunny San Joaquin
There are worse solutions. I've built several siphon overflow systems, and they work fine. I do prefer to drill the tank, but I have two tanks with tempered glass that will crumble. If your tank isn't tempered it will be easy to drill because the glass is thick. You just need a drill motor, a diamond hole saw, and a wooden template to clamp on the tank. You need patience and a little water.

Thin glass is the worst. Don't ever drill a ten. It's difficult to even cut the glass, it's so thin. A 135 won't have this issue.
 
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