Explanation of filtration...
3 overflow openings drop down to two inlets into the sump where the water is first filtered by two very large socks:
I have some wood at the bottom to get it the filtration seeded, and I've left it in there for now until I use it in another tank. I have my 800 watt titanium heater and separate control down here. I also measure the temp of the water down here as I've already had my cats eat a glass thermometer once, get lucky, and puke it up whole. I stuck it in there, turned my back for 5 seconds, and it was gone. No more thermometers in the tank ever again.
The sump is drilled and plumbed for two pumps, but I only have one going. It could be used for either an extra tank, for more filtration, etc. I have a large fine filter pad in there which is obviously doing its job. Two very good reasons I keep it in there: 1) in case socks fill up or fall and potential dump stirred up sand into the pump. 2) It gets gross and this stuff would otherwise end up in my sand but more importantly in my canister filter. Since it can get expensive to replace these, I opt to give it as long of life as possible.
So, then from the pump, it goes to the sand filter and canister. The sand filter and canister can be by passed and the water can be returned to the sump or it can be pumped back into the tank.
Going to sand filter:
Passing filtration:
Full filtration running and returning to tank (there is a ball valve behind the plastic forcing the water up):
Full filtration running but returning to sump/ by passing tank:
Sand filter running but canister filter by passed:
Sand filter needs to be backwashed for cleaning so all water is directed out the back of the sand filter, out the blue hose, and out into the back alley:
The return for the sump so I can keep the filter going but not have it flowing through the tank:
And the ever so important, "you screwed up" sump overflow!:
Land cat's sized turds coming out of my catfish.
New rescued ID:
Some updated photos. I couldn't get them to come to the glass to get a good measurement though...
So, I was given a pair of pbass, and it turns out they were large enough to go into the 600 with the big kitties. The female is showing some nice colors, but I think the male will need some TLC before his colors are going to come around. They were in with another pair, and from what I understand the other male was dominating the tank. He has some HITH, so I think he has a ways to go before he's 100%. I think just not getting whomped on will help him, but I also fed them some shrimp stuffed with medicated food last night. It will be interesting to see where he's at over the next couple weeks and months. They appear to be enjoying their new home tremendously, seem very relaxed, and are very interested in people.
Here are a few pics from last night a couple hours after the move (and no they aren't great, but they're photos) :
The male... I'll post updated photos in a couple weeks to see how he is progressing.
The female...
And here is a very fat TSN who ate not only her share of the large pre-introduction dinner, but also the hybrid's share of the tilapia. So if she is about 26-27", how big do you figure that belly to be?
And not to be left out, my hybrid wondering why I wasn't focusing on him...
Love this big, nicely colored tail!
And hey, I started with guppies in a 10 gallon tank. Everyone starts somewhere. It has taken us 7 years of fish keeping as a team (so 14 between the two of us) to get this far.
Great write up and much envy for your effort. The filtration system setup looks crazy and it's like a work of art! Also your cats look very happy and healthy, also nice that you added some Pbass's
Anyways keep up the good work
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from missing it...... In a few weeks I will be over Freddy's, perhaps after I can swing by again and do another shoot. Got my new camera so I'm itching to take pictures. 