filtration question

[Bode]

I am going to build a 8'x4'x3' aquarium. Although I have much experience with a 220 gallon tank, I don't know where to begin filtering a tank of this size. On my 220 gallon I used 2 Emperor bio-wheel power filters and 1 magnum 350 bio-wheel canister filters and had complete satisfaction. Would 4 magnum 350 bio-wheel canisters and a pump just for circulating the water be enough. I have no experience with a sump system but it looks to me like a mess if there would be a power outage. Any advise would be great.

 

[iloveoscars702]

for a tank that big, a sump would be a better option and an fx5 just for back up.

 

[BadOleRoss]

I agree, a sump is the way to go with a tank that size. If you are going to build this tank, build overflow boxes in the back or sides of that tank that will alow water to overflow and feed your sump. I just added overflow boxes to my build and I wish I would have planned them from the start. My sump consists of 2-50G totes I picked up at Lowes for $20ea and I could be happier. A very easy sump to build! When my power goes out, the sump holds all of the water that overflows with no issues at all.

 

[Toby_H]

How high off the ground will the bottom of the tank be? Will there be accessable spave beneath the tank for a sump?

Will this be a glass or acrylic tank? Or will most of the walls be solid with a viewing window installed?

If you have solid sides or back, I personally would build the filtration right into the tank. Such as a box built into the back/side wall with an opening or some openings at the bottom for water to flow in, media in the middle of the box to cleanse the water, and a pump at the top of the box to move the water through the "filter"...


When you deal with something of this magnitude you will be best served by thinking out of the box...