Is sump filters smelly

[Hong]

I am currently running a canister filter and if I don't change my filter wool every few weeks, the tank water smells and also the room and makes my water go brown. I am thinking of changing to a sump filter and was wondering if the smell will be worse due to the fact that it is not covered..etc.. Most of my friends said it will be worse, even through it is a lot easier to change the wool, the other filter media will smell. At least the canister filter is all covered. For those are using sump filters what are your experiences.

 

[rallysman]

I've never smelled mine, even when i'm changing the prefilters. I think you'd have to let it get pretty damn nasty before it would stink.

 

[metant]

Nope, with regular maintenance, it would not be smelly.

 

[redtailfool]

i only smell the filter wool when i am actually washing it off ( with tank water, of course ).
i can them smell that fishy smell .. but when it is running, i dont smell anything at all.

 

[Steve_89]

Nope.

 

[Hong]

thanks everyone, I'm going to give t a go. I'm setting up a new tank 7 feet by 3 feet wide and 2.5 feet high and I'm going to use a 4*18*18 as the sump. What do you think, is the sump big enough?

 

[rallysman]

that the size I use on my 265, it has room for more media, so you should be alright.