Help me choose DIY filtration

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shookONES

Casper... the not so friendly ghost
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2005
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Totowa, NJ
I picked up a 40g breeder and a Life Reef overflow, so I'm going to go ahead and use it to build a DIY wet/dry or sump of my own. Thing is, I'm undecided which design I want to go with. I sketched up 3 different designs and was looking for recommendations. I intend to flow 1000-1200GPH through the sump. I'm very concerned about keeping noise and micro bubbles to a minimum. That said, I'm looking for some input.

Design #1
I like what the filter socks do for water clarity, so I incorporated them in this design. Along with a drip tray loaded with prefilter, I think this should work well. My only concern is the complicated construction of this design

one.jpg

Design #2
This is a straight forward wet/dry. Time tested, I know this is going to work.

two.jpg

Design #3
Inspired by overseas monster tanks this submerged media sump is especially appealing because I know noise will be kept to a minimum and whatever media I ultimately choose will do wonder for filtration.

three.jpg
 
check out the sump in my planted tank (link in my sig). almost same size tank and same flow rate. and the way i built it it's dead silent! and i used no dividers or baffles in the sump. go with ceramic media and there's no need for all that. super simple!
 
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