I've had large tanks in the past (180/120/etc.) so not monsters, but large for general standards. I've always done HOBs and/or canisters. Got tired of canister maintenance, but newer types have gotten better/easier to maintain.
I'm currently looking for a large acrylic tank (180+) and most used setups come with a sump, or at least are designed for a sump. I've never had a sump, but I'm willing to take the dive, but starting my deeper research.
I'm only keeping freshwater tanks. I've had saltwater in the past, but no plans to start that again any time soon. The problem with used setups is that it's probably at least 3:1 ratio that most are set up for saltwater, and the sumps are designed for saltwater. I've been looking at wet/dry filters, they're just harder to come across. Are the typical saltwater sumps useful/efficient for converting for freshwater use? Of course I don't need a skimmer or refugium space, so most seem to have wasted space for the purposes of freshwater filtration.
I've read plenty that a lot of people have problems with the filter socks clogging too quickly. So my first question would be: is there a way to convert the filter sock type setup to something better suited for freshwater, or just for easier maintenance? Is that more trouble than it's worth?
If I were to find or buy a wet/dry trickle filter, would I need to add additional filtration for mechanical purposes? I know most have some mechanical filtration, but it seems insufficient for large tanks that would be fairly well stocked. I'm debating about either adding a canister filter, or one/two mattenfilters.
If I can't find an appropriate used setup, I may have something built, which means I can do anything, but that makes it harder because I CAN do anything. The cost of sourcing/building a sump system can add up quickly too, but the amount of choices can be overwhelming. My latest thought was having the tank drilled in the corners, installing bulkheads and capping them, but having it available in case I want to add overflow chambers in the future, but starting with corner mattenfilters so they'd be hidden.
In the end I know it's a personal choice, but I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts and experiences, lessons learned, etc.
Initial tank would be South American eartheater community, but future plans for Tanganyikan community, frontosa, and Red Devils (all separate tanks). I have all of these fish, but most are young, the eartheaters are the ones in most need of a larger habitat at the moment.
Thanks in advance for the advice and taking the time to read my questions.
I'm currently looking for a large acrylic tank (180+) and most used setups come with a sump, or at least are designed for a sump. I've never had a sump, but I'm willing to take the dive, but starting my deeper research.
I'm only keeping freshwater tanks. I've had saltwater in the past, but no plans to start that again any time soon. The problem with used setups is that it's probably at least 3:1 ratio that most are set up for saltwater, and the sumps are designed for saltwater. I've been looking at wet/dry filters, they're just harder to come across. Are the typical saltwater sumps useful/efficient for converting for freshwater use? Of course I don't need a skimmer or refugium space, so most seem to have wasted space for the purposes of freshwater filtration.
I've read plenty that a lot of people have problems with the filter socks clogging too quickly. So my first question would be: is there a way to convert the filter sock type setup to something better suited for freshwater, or just for easier maintenance? Is that more trouble than it's worth?
If I were to find or buy a wet/dry trickle filter, would I need to add additional filtration for mechanical purposes? I know most have some mechanical filtration, but it seems insufficient for large tanks that would be fairly well stocked. I'm debating about either adding a canister filter, or one/two mattenfilters.
If I can't find an appropriate used setup, I may have something built, which means I can do anything, but that makes it harder because I CAN do anything. The cost of sourcing/building a sump system can add up quickly too, but the amount of choices can be overwhelming. My latest thought was having the tank drilled in the corners, installing bulkheads and capping them, but having it available in case I want to add overflow chambers in the future, but starting with corner mattenfilters so they'd be hidden.
In the end I know it's a personal choice, but I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts and experiences, lessons learned, etc.
Initial tank would be South American eartheater community, but future plans for Tanganyikan community, frontosa, and Red Devils (all separate tanks). I have all of these fish, but most are young, the eartheaters are the ones in most need of a larger habitat at the moment.
Thanks in advance for the advice and taking the time to read my questions.
