What to look for

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snake_charmer

Candiru
MFK Member
Nov 9, 2006
691
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Michigan
I've been searching for tanks on craigslist anywhere from 125-180 gallon. I've been seeing tanks with built in overflow and tanks that would require HOB style filters (fx5/ac110). I'm looking at two different tanks right now one is a 150 gal (non-drilled) and the other is a 180 gallon that is drilled with two overflows. What do you all think would be the better route??? I've never had to deal with W/D filtration before. Both tanks are pretty much complete sets ups but I'm thinking the 180 gallon would require a little extra work/cash due to the overflows, sumps, etc. Is it worth it or should I just stick with non-drilled tanks. Thanks a bunch.

P.S. Got a guy coming to buy my 72 gallon bowfront this weekend so I should be able to pick up my monster tank here in the next couple of weeks. Cant wait!
 
I'm just looking for some thoughts. I dont really wanna spend over $500 on a tank set up. I've seen some with overflows and have been drawn away from it in the past but now I'm just looking for some opinions. Is it a lot of work to maintain/build up? Again, complete noob when it comes to overflows, sumps, w/d filters, etc. I've only used canisters and HOB's.
 
The sump is a box with a pump to return water. The only *complication* is that you need to maintain a water level which is between the minimum and maximum marks on the sump, and there's the added electical cost of running this pump. That's all there is to it. You don't have to have filters in the sump. It makes your water volume larger (with all the perks in regards to higher fishload, decreased maintenance interval etc) and it's a good place to put stuff (algae scrubbers, harvest freshwater shrimps, add meds, hide heaters, isolate fish etc). Every set-up has pros/cons (which depend on what you're keeping in the tank), but I wouldn't be worried about having a sump to maintain as they give you very interesting options.
 
If it comes with all that, then I'd say go for the 180. Sumps are not hard to put together, and operate on a similar means to a canister.
 
Sumps are noisier though, so take that into consideration.
 
I may be picking one of the two up Saturday or Sunday. I'll definitly have to post picks. Hopefully this guy pulls through and buys my tank.
 
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