Two Fluval FX6's or Custom Sump

The-Almighty-Zugs

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 9, 2019
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Ontario, Canada
So I will be getting a 160-180 gallon acrylic tank built here soon and need to finalize filtration. I had thought I was going to get two FX6's but now I'm considering a sump. The tank will house a Piraya Piranha so it needs a lot of filtration. What do you guys think? Sump or 2 FX6's? What will the downsides be to a sump? Downsides to the canister filters?
 

dr exum

Goliath Tigerfish
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Both!
 

TwoHedWlf

Potamotrygon
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Like are two fx6's enough and would a sump just be redundant? Or does it really make that much of a difference.
Two FX-6s would be good for a tank that size. I'd go with the sump given the option, but that's likely to be more setup, noise and humidity if that's a concern. But, likely better water quality and easier to clean.
 
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The-Almighty-Zugs

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 9, 2019
356
97
36
Ontario, Canada
Two FX-6s would be good for a tank that size. I'd go with the sump given the option, but that's likely to be more setup, noise and humidity if that's a concern. But, likely better water quality and easier to clean.
How are you supposed to clean a sump anyway? The reason I am not so sure about a sump is because I'm not very handy and really wouldn't trust something I made. I know someone that could build and ship a 75 gallon sump to me for $1300. The idea would be filling it 1/3 of the way up to make room for more water in case the power goes out. Making it myself I guess would cost me $600. Two FX6's cost about $1000 all together.
 

The-Almighty-Zugs

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 9, 2019
356
97
36
Ontario, Canada
I like having a sump because maintenance is easier which means I'm more likely to do it.
A canister filter looks fine from the outside and is a pain to check if it needs cleaned.
How are you supposed to clean a sump anyway? The reason I am not so sure about a sump is because I'm not very handy and really wouldn't trust something I made. I know someone that could build and ship a 75 gallon sump to me for $1300. The idea would be filling it 1/3 of the way up to make room for more water in case the power goes out. Making it myself I guess would cost me $600. Two FX6's cost about $1000 all together.
 
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