Thinking about going back to canister filters

[SwampFins]

I've been running a little sump on my 125 for a few months now, and even though I could not be happier with the ease of it and the filtration capability, theres a few things I've grown to hate.

The main thing is the splashing water sound. While I got rid of the gurgling and minimized it quite a bit (for a sump setup anyway) it is still too noisy for my liking.

The second thing that's been bothering me is the overflow. I have to turn everything off to keep my food from getting sucked before the fish even get to it, and certain things like flakes are almost out of the question; followed by any kind of floating plants. Which is not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things but I'm not entirely in love with the process either.


Now the question is, should I go back to canisters? I wanted to see what other people are currently running and how do you like it.

I've been eyeing an FX6 from fluval but I'm not entirely sure I can swing that at the moment, or even if it would be enough to take care of the 125 alone.

I do have a big sponge filter running in there as well but as far a mechanical, thatd be it.

 

[Dloks]

If you set up your sump correctly it’ll be dead silent. I had my 300g in my living room and it wouldn’t wake a newborn baby

 

[PYRU]

Sounds like your overflow water level isn't set correct or your drains aren't submerged

 

[FESHMAN]

Look into Jebao DC pumps, I've heard good reviews and it has a "feed function" which is like a snooze button on your alarm

 

[Rob909]

I have my sump return and aqua lifter (overflow box) on a WiFi surge protector. I open the app and turn off the two for feeding floating foods and turn it on later. I have another tank with the return on a WiFi plug and set that one to turn back on an hour after I put floating food in.

As far as sound, add sponges to keep water from splashing between chambers. The water will trickle through the sponge, keeping the noise way down.

 

[LBDave]

I'm currently having problems with a sump on a new tank I bought. If the overflow is completely submerged (probably not a good thing) it is silent. No noise in sump or tank.
So reading up I think I would plumb with a Herbie setup if I had my druthers. With a Herbie I think a silent sump is possible. I also think sumps help aerate the water.
Bottom line is I agree with Dloks.

 

[SwampFins]

I may try to tinker a bit more with it to see where I can get it too.

Now this might be crazy would 3 of these 125 sponges work in conjunction to an hob?

Lustar – Hydro-Sponge V Filter for Aquariums up to 125 Gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002602SM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tdC-Cb725YKHY

 

[Cardeater]

I may try to tinker a bit more with it to see where I can get it too.

Now this might be crazy would 3 of these 125 sponges work in conjunction to an hob?

Lustar – Hydro-Sponge V Filter for Aquariums up to 125 Gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002602SM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tdC-Cb725YKHY

Yeah you could use those sponges. People will big fish rooms use sponges bc it's cheaper to run a bunch of those off a giant air pump.

I use two sponges in my 125 using my powerhead. I originally didnt like the idea of running the powerhead unprotected but now I think it would be fine.

I recommend the Hydro V pro version. The regular has smaller pores and it's a pain to rinse it out. The pro has bigger.pores.and rinses much easier.

You can get them cheaper here but you have to factor in shipping (can also pick up for free if you happen to live by Gurnee IL):

Pro version:

Hydro Sponge PRO Aquarium Filters at the best price

Hydro Sponge PRO Aquarium Filters The Hydro-Sponge Pro is the newest product line among our family. The Hydro-Sponge Pro like the Hydro-Sponge is made in all the same sizes but unlike the Hydro-Sponge line it uses reticulated foam. This gives the sponge itself almost double the efficiency as...

www.aquacave.com

Regular one (one I don't recommend as it's harder to rinse. I have both this and the Pro):

Hydro Sponge Aquarium Filters at the best price

Hydro Sponge Aquarium Filters The Hydro Sponge filters provides both mechanical and biological filtration. Aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge, providing a bacterial substrate to facilitate the nitrogen cycle. In addition, the Hydro-Sponge traps larger waste particles, mechanically cleaning the...

www.aquacave.com

 

[Cardeater]

Pic

 

[Tobiassorensen]

I keep my two 1" drains about 1/2 inch under the surface in my sunp and its dead silent. Both drains are fully open and i know i could use a bigger pump then a jebao dcs2000 without any noice at all. My movin bed in the sump makes more noice then the drains. So does the return.