Sump or canister! That is the question...

[Red_Man]

So I am in the process of purchasing stuff for a 600g tank and I am torn between running 3 Proflex Model 4 sumps or two Fluval FX5s.

The sumps cost a little more but require slightly less maintenance and imop are something to brag about.

The FX5s are like a 1/3 of the cost but are simply plug and play.

Anyone want to put their own two cents on the matter?

Thanks for reading!

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Sump, anyway 2 FX5 is barely enough for a 600g

 

[FlorabamaTrigger]

Definitely Sumps!!

 

[CharlieTuna]

Sump, I would consider building my own if I were you. I do not think the two FX5's or going to keep up with a 600g.

 

[Red_Man]

The FX5s are supposedly rated for 400g!?! With two I should theoreticly be able to do 600g with ease. Have you guys used them?

As far as building a sump I wouldnt have the first clue where to begin. I know all the parts involved but as far as determining the size of the sump would be beyond my knowledge,

 

[Jc1119]

If it were me, both. I'm setting up a 300 with a 75 gallon sump and 2 fx5's.
Sumps have many advantages over canisters, but with large tanks canisters can help make sure there won't be any dead spots.....

An fx5 moves about 600 gph, so 2 would only turn your tank 2 times per hour. Might be ok for some undemanding species, but overall it's not really enough filtration for a tank that size.... Aim for 3-5 x minimum

 

[jcardona1]

I wouldn't use FX5 for a tank that big. If you've seen an FX5 in operation, you know you'd have so many dead spots in that tank it wouldn't even be funny. A sump is definitely the way to go. I'd get a 100g+ tank and build one myself.

 

[importracer]

So I am in the process of purchasing stuff for a 600g tank and I am torn between running 3 Proflex Model 4 sumps or two Fluval FX5s.

The sumps cost a little more but require slightly less maintenance and imop are something to brag about.

The FX5s are like a 1/3 of the cost but are simply plug and play.

Anyone want to put their own two cents on the matter?

Thanks for reading!

Sounds like a project...I enjoy DIY wet/dry sumps.....They are fun to build and operate......The big plus with DIY W/D sumps is the money saved......For my 125 prject, I made a DIY W/D sump for less then $80......All the filter materials, everything, less then $80.......The pump cost me $80, as much as the filter!!!!!!For a 600g, I would try building DIY W/D sump made out of a container/tank 100-125g........Then again, my math is itchy, so the pairing of two FX5's sounds the best option........

 

[Clay]

This shouldn't really be a question. The clear choice should be a sump for filtration. Also, making one from a tank is the best idea, and not a commercially built acrylic box that is marked up 4x because it has a baffle or 2. You'll find a great example of how simple superior mechanical and biological filtration can be by looking at Jose's pic *INSERT YOUR PIC INTO THIS THREAD, JOSE*

^ meant to be a humorous comment.

Canisters are good for some purposes, but lack the flexibility, ease of use, extra water volume, and are generally not as effective on a larger tank. Smaller tank? Sure, but not a smart idea to try to filter a large tank on a couple of canisters - regardless of what a manufacturer claims they are rated for.

 

[Clay]

Oh, what the hell, I'll do it