Tank Planning

[jsh7r]

Hi everyone,

Brand new member here. I’m getting back into the hobby and recently purchased a pre-drilled 200 gallon cylinder tank. I was originally going to set up a saltwater tank but after some thought, I just don’t want to go down that money pit. Also, I decided not to do a sump for various reasons.

To all the hobbyist out there, please let me know your thoughts on this planned filtration system. The tank has 3 drilled holes in the overflow and 2 drilled in the main tank (I’m assuming for a closed bottom system water flow). I prefer the mobility of using powerheads so I was thinking of using the holes for added filtration. Please let me know your thoughts, as it’s been a long long time and I feel like a beginner all over again.

Thanks!

 

[tlindsey]

Hi everyone,

Brand new member here. I’m getting back into the hobby and recently purchased a pre-drilled 200 gallon cylinder tank. I was originally going to set up a saltwater tank but after some thought, I just don’t want to go down that money pit. Also, I decided not to do a sump for various reasons.

To all the hobbyist out there, please let me know your thoughts on this planned filtration system. The tank has 3 drilled holes in the overflow and 2 drilled in the main tank (I’m assuming for a closed bottom system water flow). I prefer the mobility of using powerheads so I was thinking of using the holes for added filtration. Please let me know your thoughts, as it’s been a long long time and I feel like a beginner all over again.

Thanks!

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Welcome aboard
I personally never owned a Cannister Filter but others will chime in with their experience.

 

[twentyleagues]

Unless you plan on having pipes running up into your display I'd think the water pressure of 4'× almost 3' of water would overwhelm that canister. Maybe I'm wrong? It's not a chance I'd take. I would cap them off if you are not going to run it as a closed loop.

 

[jsh7r]

Unless you plan on having pipes running up into your display I'd think the water pressure of 4'× almost 3' of water would overwhelm that canister. Maybe I'm wrong? It's not a chance I'd take. I would cap them off if you are not going to run it as a closed loop.

oh man, I didn’t think about the water pressure being an issue. Has anyone had experience like that before? Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[jjohnwm]

First off...that will be one very cool tank! Can't wait to see it.

I hate bottom-drilled tanks as they are always prone to damage at the bulkhead, and they are a PITA to repair if/when it happens. Your deep tank is even more of a headache in this regard. Personally, I would permanently seal off the holes in the display area, and use the ones at the bottom of the overflow compartment for both intake and return. Free from worries about pressure, and easier to service if necessary...although working on those bulkheads at the bottom of a four-foot-tall, probably-narrow overflow compartment will have its own challenges.

And I have to say it: this tank cries for a sump rather than a canister filter. Actually, I think that most tanks cry for a sump; a better solution to almost all filtration issues, and a place for all the junk that might otherwise be cluttering up that beautiful display cylinder.

 

[fishdance]

I have a similar sized cylinder tank viewed from all sides. I use two large canisters hidden under the stand to maintain the clean look. If your canister is rated for 1.2m (or more) head height then it is sutable. Even the smallest canisters would do that. I have both input and outputs through base (almost invisible) without any pipes and the water circulation is fine. Obvously you will need double taps so you can service the canisters.

Another clean look filtration option if you have a top plinth to enclose your lights is to use an overhead sump but you will get fine particulates accumulate in the substrate. So you would have to gravel clean periodically .