Sump question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You can diy one cheaper, and no you dont have to drill. Just need to get an overflow box
Not sure if the first part was a question...

My sump costed about as much as a larger trigger systems sump, but don't be intimidated by that. That includes the $200 worth of plumbing and a lot of acrylic. The only reason my sump costed so much was because it was a converted 75g aquarium.

If you choose to build a sump for a 100 gallon aquarium, a 20-30 gallon aquarium would work well. You can use glass for the baffles, pot scrubbers for media, and filter socks aren't very expensive.

If you choose to use an overflow box, go with something from the CPR CS line. Their overflows have a nozzle that can connect to an aqua lift pump which removes air bubbles from the overflow. It's one of the most reliable overflows you can get.
 
I forgot about the cost aspect. To get canisters that, in my opinion, would match the performance of my sump I would probably need three FX6's. At a cost of $370 each, that would be $1,110 for the canisters. My sump (a $40 used 55 that was only two months old) and plumbing was less than $200, if I don't include the H2Overflow cost (they were expensive, but regular PVC items could replace them for a few dollars). Definitely much more economical.
 
I forgot about the cost aspect. To get canisters that, in my opinion, would match the performance of my sump I would probably need three FX6's. At a cost of $370 each, that would be $1,110 for the canisters. My sump (a $40 used 55 that was only two months old) and plumbing was less than $200, if I don't include the H2Overflow cost (they were expensive, but regular PVC items could replace them for a few dollars). Definitely much more economical.
Two eheim 2262s would be cheaper and work better.
 
How do you figure? Also, what's the cost of a 2262?
I haven't bought one myself, so I can't tell you from experience. I can tell you that anyone who's had a 2262 and fx6 will recommend the 2262 over the fx6 any day. The 2262 costs $380-460 U.S. a piece.
 
I haven't bought one myself, so I can't tell you from experience. I can tell you that anyone who's had a 2262 and fx6 will recommend the 2262 over the fx6 any day. The 2262 costs $380-460 U.S. a piece.

Two of those at $380 is still $760, which is way more than the <$200 I spent on my 55 gallon sump and plumbing.

I do get that canisters have their place and can be very efficient. I will admit that it is making me very nervous that I am ready to fill my 220 with the overflows to my sump. It should be fine, but I'm just nervous about some leak that I didn't anticipate. I would definitely take a properly setup sump over a canister any day though.
 
I haven't bought one myself, so I can't tell you from experience. I can tell you that anyone who's had a 2262 and fx6 will recommend the 2262 over the fx6 any day. The 2262 costs $380-460 U.S. a piece.

Keep in mind the 2262 doesn't come with any media either. With that said, I'd still take the Eheim over the FX6 if money isn't an issue.
 
The only maintenance I have to do on my sump is wash my filter socks, I don't have to replace them very often since they're reusable. As stated before, sumps also add more water volume to the aquarium, and also house equipment that would normally be in the tank. They also dilute fish waste, meaning you have to do water changes less often (although they will need to be larger). Along with that you can use the sump as a refugium to grow nitrate reducing plants. I'm currently growing pothos in mine. Overall they're the best form of filtration for 75+ gallon tanks.


If you have a full planted tank with nitrate reducing plants does that take away the need for gravel vacing?
 
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