Filtration ideas for new tank!

[Dsoars]

I’m planning on getting a new tank that will be 84-96” L x 24” W x 17” H sometime this year. I wanted something for my bichirs that are going to outgrow my 160 tall and think that a long shallow tank would be sweet, so if anybody is willing to share their experience with filtration for this type of tank that would be great. I’m thinking of an overhead sump, because for one I’ve never liked the idea of water draining underneath the tank into a regular sump, and two I wouldn’t have to worry about water level control. Also, the tank stand is going to pretty low, too low for me too easily do maintenance on a sump so I’ve pretty much ruled that idea out. I could probably do 2 canister filters. My main concern is surface skimming and keeping scum off the water to allows the bichirs to gulp air. If I have to have an overflow box is there a way I can utilize one without having to drill the tank? Maybe just place a pump inside the overflow that would run to the overhead sump and keep the water level in the tank high enough to keep the skimmer box full of enough water? It’s going to be completely custom so I can build the stand and tank around the filtration. Thanks!

 

[tlindsey]

I’m thinking of an overhead sump.

Go with that idea. You don't have to worry about any overflow box, pipes etc.

 

[esoxlucius]

If you don't want to drill the tank, and your main concern is adequate surface skimming, then a strategically placed pump in your display tank near the surface of the water, whether in an overflow box or otherwise, could work.

But bear this in mind. Your overhead sumps water level will be controlled by your sump overflow level, in effect it will remain constant as long as that pump remains on. But it is your display tank level that will then be up and down due to evaporation.

Not a major problem until you realise that your surface sucking pump, if the water level drops too much, may start sucking air, or, worse case scenario, burn out!!

However, you should hear the very loud gurgling noise long before it has time to burn out.

 

[duanes]

I have used over head sumps, and they always worked great foe me.
You can plant them with aquatic and terrestrial plant species if they are large enough, and make them aesthetically pleasing, since they will probably be in full view.
This is a small overhead sump made from a 20 gal tank I placed in a window box.

With this method, the plants managed to handle all the filtration for the main tank (I didn't use any other media). The plant species were Water Hyacinth, Papyrus, and the aquatic plant, java fern. The above tank sump was also useful for raising fry, and had a population of shrimp, that would help break down detritus, for more efficient use by the plants, but get eaten, if they were in the main tank. (they sometimes would get eaten when they'd get into the overflow.

 

[dogofwar]

Go with the overhead sump (AKA dump filter).

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

I prefer my overhead sumps for my 75 and 55 to the underneath sump on my 135. Almost never have to worry about them. The pumps sending water to them are low enough that evaporation doesn't matter. You can set up the return from the overhead sump to cause surface agitation, or just use a cheap wavemaker or airstone. The only issue is you have to consider the weight, which usually limits the volume. You don't need an overflow at all with a drop sump and if you use one it's going to cause more issues than it solves since the water level drops in the tank, not the sump, when the sump is above it.

Another bonus, if the room gets ambient light, you can plant the overhead sump easily with pothos and such without adding another light.

 

[Dsoars]

If you don't want to drill the tank, and your main concern is adequate surface skimming, then a strategically placed pump in your display tank near the surface of the water, whether in an overflow box or otherwise, could work.

But bear this in mind. Your overhead sumps water level will be controlled by your sump overflow level, in effect it will remain constant as long as that pump remains on. But it is your display tank level that will then be up and down due to evaporation.

Not a major problem until you realise that your surface sucking pump, if the water level drops too much, may start sucking air, or, worse case scenario, burn out!!

However, you should hear the very loud gurgling noise long before it has time to burn out.

That’s a good point thank you!

 

[Dsoars]

I have used over head sumps, and they always worked great foe me.
You can plant them with aquatic and terrestrial plant species if they are large enough, and make them aesthetically pleasing, since they will probably be in full view.
This is a small overhead sump made from a 20 gal tank I placed in a window box.
View attachment 1524891View attachment 1524890View attachment 1524892
With this method, the plants managed to handle all the filtration for the main tank (I didn't use any other media). The plant species were Water Hyacinth, Papyrus, and the aquatic plant, java fern. The above tank sump was also useful for raising fry, and had a population of shrimp, that would help break down detritus, for more efficient use by the plants, but get eaten, if they were in the main tank. (they sometimes would get eaten when they'd get into the overflow.
View attachment 1524893View attachment 1524894View attachment 1524895

That looks awesome!! I want to do plants but I think I’m gonna have a canopy over the top of the tank to hide everything

 

[Dsoars]

I prefer my overhead sumps for my 75 and 55 to the underneath sump on my 135. Almost never have to worry about them. The pumps sending water to them are low enough that evaporation doesn't matter. You can set up the return from the overhead sump to cause surface agitation, or just use a cheap wavemaker or airstone. The only issue is you have to consider the weight, which usually limits the volume. You don't need an overflow at all with a drop sump and if you use one it's going to cause more issues than it solves since the water level drops in the tank, not the sump, when the sump is above it.

Another bonus, if the room gets ambient light, you can plant the overhead sump easily with pothos and such without adding another light.

My airstones do a pretty good job at breaking up surface scum so I might try that I’m not a fan of the look of overflows. Also, I want to build the stand up along the corners of the tank so the weight of the overhead would actually be supported by the stand and not the tank itself. The wood braces underneath the overhead will be connected to the “frame” of the rest of the stand. And then I could maybe hide the pump in the corner by where the wood will run up the side of the tank. Where do you have the pump for your overhead sumps?

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

My airstones do a pretty good job at breaking up surface scum so I might try that I’m not a fan of the look of overflows. Also, I want to build the stand up along the corners of the tank so the weight of the overhead would actually be supported by the stand and not the tank itself. The wood braces underneath the overhead will be connected to the “frame” of the rest of the stand. And then I could maybe hide the pump in the corner by where the wood will run up the side of the tank. Where do you have the pump for your overhead sumps?

Similarly, I have it in the back of the tank behind the biggest piece of driftwood in the tank to hide it.