Looking For Filtration?

[Darth Scohin]

Now I'm getting a 180/210gal in the next couple of months and I'm planning on getting 2AC110 and a sump. My question is what type of sump should I get and what size pump that will pump 800gph at 5 feet should I get. Stock will be as follows

1 Endlicheri Bichir
1 Lapradei Bichir
1 Ornate Bichir
1 Weeksi Bichir
1 African Arowana
1 Odoe
at least 4 Mono Sebae

 

[BadOleRoss]

I would build my own sump. This site is filled with different ideas on DIY sumps. I personally have a 50G rubbermaid container with another 10G container inside it for holding my filter media. The containers cost me $27 plus another couple of bucks for the PVC stand I set the smaller container on. I filled my filter with Poret foam and various filter pads. Mine moves about 1000gph. The pipe you see coming out of the end of this attaches to a 2nd identical sump to keep the water levels in the 2 containers level. Each container has it's own pump. Very simple, very cheap.

 

[dawnmarie]

I guess I am just unclear on the concept.
If you are going to go the sump route then why the HOB's ?
Wouldn't it be more cost effective to just build or buy an adequately large sump ?
These are purely curiosity questions.

 

[BadOleRoss]

Sumps are great Bio filters but sometime they lack the mechanical filtration side. A nice canister or HOB to polish the water can really compliment a sump/wet-dry. My sumps has enough foam and filter pads in it that I dont need any other mechanical assistance.

 

[dawnmarie]

Got it. So it's just a matter of efficient planning and design.

 

[BadOleRoss]

Yep, pretty much!

 

[Darth Scohin]

bumping.....So Is there a way to have a sump without Overflows? or am I stuck with just a combo of HOBS and Canisters?

 

[mqktandy]

You could use piping over the edge you would have to "prime" it with a garden hose or something. As long as the end that goes into the tank was under the water line it will cause a vacuum, than your sump will oporate on diffusion. Only hard part would be figuring out the flow rate on the return pump.

 

[Darth Scohin]

Sounds like I should just get two AC110 and a Canister (I'm thinking a RENA)

 

[pjsmetana]

Sounds like I should just get two AC110 and a Canister (I'm thinking a RENA)

I got the Rena Filstar xp4. You wont be disappointed. Low cost, quiet, works very well. But... I'm still working on building an over-tank sump. Why? Biological Filtration is better with Sumps than with any canister. But canisters are better with mechanical filtrations. I would skip the HOBs (or buy them as back ups) and do both canister and sump. Even though the AC110s are some really good HOBs.