Filtration for 480 gallon

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J

JamesF

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 29, 2005
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I'm currently in the planning stages for a 480 gallon tank.
The tank will be acrylic, 8'x4'x2'.
Fish will be mostly bichirs, maybe some gars, a ray or two, and possibly and african arrowanna.
I definately don't want a sump on this tank. I just got rid of my 130 reef tank, and the drop in humidity is nice. A closed system to avoid excess evaporation is much preferred.
I've been thinking of going with modular canisters (nu-clear, ocean clear etc). My only experience with these types are two Nu-Clears on a 1500 gallon salt water tank I look after. I haven't been overly impressed though, but I'm not really impressed with any aspect of the filtration in that tank, so it might just be a bias.
So, what would those with large tanks suggest for filtration. Preferred brands as well if you don't mind. :)
 
Big tank , sump would be affordable method of filtration but I know what you mean about the humidity. Have you considered a ultima II ? I was able to negotiate a cheaper price from a seller on eBay. Many people on the forum run Fx5's. good luck
 
I've never looked at the Ultimas before. I've been perusing Acuatic Eco-systems looking at their different filters there. Still not sure if Bead, Sand or cartridge filters are better than each other.
I'm really leery about touching Hagen products. I had a store for 10 years and watched as they went from one of the best quality products on the market, to, in my opinion, by far the worst. I had clients loose their entire tanks to Fluval 04 series jst cutting out for no reason. And the constant replacements of broken parts was ridiculous.
The one problem I'm having with looking at these modular canisters, is that they are all rated for a certain size pond, but any that also list their use for aquariums says they're only good for very small tanks.
 
I made my own closed system because I also wanted to control humidity.
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4 pbass, 4 severum, 1 snook....water clarity is great.
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Cylinder is a cartridge type filter. Back filter is a K1 bead type filter. Media is from wlimproducts.com. Pump is a wlim 1/15hpWave (3000gph). Water change and backwash is very simple.
 
Can't wait to see you're setup looking foward to pics.

How often do you have to back wash something like this and how much water does it take?

Just wondering every saying sumps are humid, do you not cover your sumps? I had one in the garage uncovered you opened the door and the humidity sucker punched you, the steps leaving the garage going to the basement where always wet.

However Once I place a lid on my sump, the only hole bing the area around the In Pipe and Out Pipe It went back to normal. Plus I noticed the water was cleaner, from what I was told the humidity made the dust in the air heavy so it would fall into the open sump.

It could just be me but a 500 gallon tank with lid and closed loop, should not have the much more then humidity then lets say a 400 gallon tank and a 100 gallon sump that are both covered. In my mind the only difference is the lid on the closed loop would not have the tiny openings where the plumbing is feed through.
 
kendragon;4988114; said:
Cylinder is a cartridge type filter. Back filter is a K1 bead type filter. Media is from wlimproducts.com. Pump is a wlim 1/15hpWave (3000gph). Water change and backwash is very simple.
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Were those filters designed for aquaculture or for pools? I've heard of people buying pool filters for the tanks, but I've never known if there is any difference between ones made for pools or for aquaculture.

nfored, the sump I had was under the aquarium stand. Space was tight, so putting in a lid that I could get on and off was not feasable. Plus, I work out of town quite often, which left my wife looking after 3 kids, working full time, and worrying about the sump level. Anything I can do to make her life easier is a god thing. :)
 
JamesF;4988531; said:
nfored, the sump I had was under the aquarium stand. Space was tight, so putting in a lid that I could get on and off was not feasable. Plus, I work out of town quite often, which left my wife looking after 3 kids, working full time, and worrying about the sump level. Anything I can do to make her life easier is a god thing. :)
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Yes gotta yea, I have the same space problem with my new overhead filter. My wife is kind enough to feed my fish but would likely not have the time to maintain my tanks. I try to make them as trouble free as possible so when I have to leave town they will be okay for a while.

Looking forward to pics.
 
JamesF;4988531; said:
Were those filters designed for aquaculture or for pools? I've heard of people buying pool filters for the tanks, but I've never known if there is any difference between ones made for pools or for aquaculture.


Pool filters will clog and requires a big pump to overcome the head pressure. Mine are packed with media for aquaculture thus can get by with a small 1750rpm pump. Saves a lot on electricity.
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