Sump newbie overflow recommendations

[quikv6]

Hey all,

I am close to pulling the trigger on getting an acrylic tank built. (96x36x27). It will most likely be my first sump foray. Here are my options that work for the space

1) Back wall single center internal overflow box/weir.
2) Dual back wall (not end corners) internal boxs/weirs.
3) Skip the sump altogether, and filter w/FX6s as I am doing now on my 240. I have extra FX6s.

While I hate the bumped out look of internal boxes, it is all the space will allow for. I also feel like if I don't dive into sumps and get this tank drilled, I will regret it. I have plenty of FX6s, so I am considering keeping the tank a virgin, and continuing with canisters. Looking for opinions, especially related to having two back wall boxes verses a single, longer center box. I'd imagine doing a Herbie setup, most likely.

Sorry for the amateur-hour question. It's hard to make the most educated decision while lacking the sump experience to do so. It's alot of money, and I don't want to overlook anything. Thanks folks.

 

[jjohnwm]

...Skip the sump altogether, and filter w/FX6s as I am doing now on my 240.

NNNOOOOOOOO! Ooops...did I type that out loud?

...I also feel like if I don't dive into sumps and get this tank drilled, I will regret it.

I'm not sure you would regret it, since not doing it will force you to remain in the benighted world of non-sump-users. It's hard to know what you don't know.

I am absolutely certain that when you set up the sump and get it running right, you will wake up every day and thank your stars that you did so. My own "big" tank is the size of yours, and I cannot bear to contemplate the increased labour and the decreased efficiency of using canisters rather than sumps to filter it. And I used canisters extensively back in the mid-years of my hobby involvement. I remember being impressed by how much better they were than most other filters I had monkeyed with up to that point. I also remember the revelation of finding out how much more of a quantum leap it was to move into the world of sumps.

I won't comment on the details of overflow placement, etc. as my DIY stuff is far simpler than any of the complicated "named" overflows like Herbie, Bean Animal, etc...so it won't relate to your set-up. But those are just details. Suffice to say that any decent sump system will make you smile every time you think back to canisters.

 

[tlindsey]

Back wall single center internal overflow box/weir.

I have one on a 180 gallon. As long as water level in aquarium doesn't get too low where air gets in the U-tube.
I agree with jjohnwm you won't regret doing a sump.

 

[quikv6]

I appreciate the replies, guys. Especially the forward ones that smack some sense into me.

So provided I do go with a sump (As I was leaning towards), is there any benefit to pick a single mid-wall internal box over a dual back wall set up? Is it just aesthetics? If so, I dont like either bump out, as it takes away from the smooth look from the side panel.

I'm looking to do a very basic setup. Nothing fancy. If I do a center....I was thinking 4 holes (2 drain, 2 return,), and the dual would be 3 holes each (2 drain, 1 return)

Since I don't know what I don't know, admittedly...all input and schooling is appreciated.

 

[duanes]

Looks aside..... and to reasonably plan actual sump logistics, what type fish?
Do you want riverine , or lacustrine fish? will they prefer a laminar lacustrine omni-semi-nondirectional flow?
or strong current for rheophiles along the entire tanks length?

Will those fish tolerate plants?

What do you want to accomplish with the sump?
Do you want simply average aquarist water parameters? or
Do you want almost total eleminatiion of nitrate even before water changes?

Do you want a typical below tank sump?
Are you averse to bending over to do maintanence?
How about noise reduction?
Do you have room (space) for other options? are you open to expanding as aquarium technology advances?

As an examplle, I am old and hate bending so I place my sump kitty corner

Because to me the most important aspect of a sump, is the elimniation of nitrates , and because my rheophilic cichlids eat plants, my sump is heavily planted., and the tankneed strong directional flow across the lanks length. (sioI use a 1500 gph pump, along wit mave makers for adequte flow rate)
Water enter on one end, of the tank and exits to sumo on the other, and is configure d(drilled) according to the need of the fish I keep.
.
These are just a few of the whys and consideratins to determine how to do a sumps, there are many more.

 

[danotaylor]

While I hate the bumped out look of internal boxes, it is all the space will allow for.

Typical the rear wall of acrylic builds is black. The trapezoid style, bumped out, as you call it, is actually not very unnoticeable. Especially on a 36” front to back width, and the hard scape also provides visual cover for said overflow weirs.
I have twin trapezoid’s in my 120” long acrylic, and even with a rudimentary hard scapes, they’re not that noticeable, and certainly not an eyesore.
If you look cared at this vid you can see the shape of the trapezoid weir where it meets the sand substrate, but other than that, it’s quite unnoticeable

 

[quikv6]

Duanes...always appreciate your posts. Regarding your questions:

What type fish? SA cichlids (Oscar, True Parrot, Sev, and Acara) and some Silver dollars.
Do you want riverine , or lacustrine fish? will they prefer a laminar lacustrine omni-semi-nondirectional flow?
or strong current for rheophiles along the entire tanks length? (See above...looking for adaquate flow, without it being too strong/disturbing for the O)

Will those fish tolerate plants? Yes, there is Anubias in the tank that manages to survive.

What do you want to accomplish with the sump? No regret down the road.
Do you want simply average aquarist water parameters? or
Do you want almost total eleminatiion of nitrate even before water changes? I waterchange every 5 days. Very large WCs. Nitrates stay around 5ppm

Do you want a typical below tank sump? Yes
Are you averse to bending over to do maintanence? No
How about noise reduction? The quieter the better
Do you have room (space) for other options? are you open to expanding as aquarium technology advances? No. Minimal space and I am a luddite.


Danotaylor - I always see the bumpouts from the side. That is my only beef. But I will tolerate it. Do you have a prefernce to a single center vs dual traps?

 

[danotaylor]

Danotaylor - I always see the bumpouts from the side. That is my only beef. But I will tolerate it. Do you have a prefernce to a single center vs dual traps?

They are definitely more evident from the sides, but how often are you viewing from the side? I sit in front of my tank when watching my fish I admit, I will occasionally pause for a long view thru the end of the tank, but the scape and the stock are where my eyes settle
My tank was given to me by the lady I used to clean it for. If I was to order one knowing what I know now having had the dual overflows and dual dumps, I would go with a single center back wall trapezoid weir, with 2 drain holes and 2 returns still, but a single sump w a pump powering each return

 

[quikv6]

Thank you, Danotaylor! (sorry, I don't know how to "tag" someone yet.)

One side will be up against a wall. With my current 8ft 240, I have that side painted, and actually view it length-wise often, as it's the first view as you come down the stairs. I can deal with the bumpout. I just dont want regrets as I am laboriously cleaning Fx6's!

My original thought was the single trap center weir, but then I though the dual may be better for scaping purposes. But I think I am leaning towards your side. Thank you sincerely for your opinion and expertise. I will certainly appreciate all others as well. Getting close to pulling the trigger! Thanks again!

 

[danotaylor]

No worries mate! Looking forward to seeing the final result!

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