Sump or AC110

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JasonsPlecosCichlids

JasonsPlecosCichlids

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Jan 23, 2010
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Now that I have a basement with waterproof flooring, I need to change up my filtration. I don't care for the canisters and only had a sump once in an apartment and was nervous the entire time, flooding....

I have two 265's and two 210's.

At times I get a little crazy with my stock but here lately I have been restraining myself to keep a smaller load of fish. Plus I spent $800 on a DSLR so I made a deal with my GF not to buy fish for two months unless I get them for free, trade fish, etc.

How big of a sump would I need to properly filter the 265's and 210's?

I currently have 2 Eheims on one 265, 1 Sun Sun and 1 FX5 on the other 265, 1 Sun Sun on the 210 and 2 Emperor 400's on the other 210.

I would prefer to have something easier to take care of. Canisters are a pain to remove from under the tank.

I have also seen some members using AC110's on their big tanks and wondering how well that works.
 
I would shoot for about a hundred gallons per sump/tank, especially if like to stock heavily. Add some plants to sump/refug and you have some serious nitrate removal potential. You could try a 300g stock tank for all but I always think more is better in terms of filtration.
 
I use I have a trickle tower in a 30 gal tote, along with a AC110 on my 180gal only drawback is nitrates, but I do weekly wc's if you don't care about cosmetics build your own sump.:)

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A sump is a major evaporation center for your home. Not sure how you feel about tons of humidity, but with 4 large tanks and sumps it will happen. You will put a ton of humidity in your home. Stick with closed filers inside your home. I have a 210 gallon tank from my brother when he went to Iraq, the moisture it generates is amazing. In the winter, no need for a humidifier in the home. Condensation on windows, etc. Just something else to think about.
 
I moved from a 75g to a 180g. As part of the move I went from 1 fx5 to two AC110s plus a much stronger powerhead. I am struggling with cloudy water in all honesty and have not been able to figure out why. You will struggle to fit enough AC110s on your tanks in all honesty. I will get buy because I have one large piranha in the tank.

I will say that the ease of cleaning the AC110s last weekend was awesome. Easy to take stuff out, small enough that I was able to move and carry to my sink without breaking my back. No annoying priming, twisting nobs, worrying about air, etc.

I will say that if I could do it again, I would go with a sump. Never done one, but I think the ease they offer is awesome, plus the flexibility. The AC110s just don't have enough space in them for a large tank with a large load of fish.
 
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