What would you do for filtration in this situation?

[Push]

Alright, it's been a bit since I have been around these forums but I have recently just ordered a 225ish gallon acrylic aquarium and looking into filtration options for the new tank. As of right now the plan was 2 FX5s or possibly a sump and one FX5 but I am completely open to other options.

I do however have some concerns as I have never dealt with a sump system before and don't feel my handiness is near capable enough in making my own sump. Due to this the only thing I have really been considering is a commercial built system such as this one.
http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/LivingColor400GallonWet-Dry.aspx

Also, the new tank is NOT setup for overflows as I prefer the cleaner look and more room for the fish without dealing with corner or center overflows.

The tank stats are as follows: 72Lx30Wx24T, 224.41 US gallons, the plan is to have only one or two fish (Jardini Arowana and possibly a Plecostomus) and possibly a large school of dither/schooling fish.

With all of that said, what would you guys do for filtration? Do you think the two FX5s would be enough or should I find a way to make a sump and the FX5 work?

 

[pacu mom]

There are scores of threads on MFK on DIY sumps. I suggest you do a quick search and read up on them. When we set up our 300 gallon tank, we knew nothing about wet/dry filters, so we bought one. The thing is sooo simple in design, there is no way I would ever buy another one. A DIY build would allow you to have a wet/dry section (if that's what you're sold on), and/or a section with submerged media and a strong mechanical component utilizing filter socks.

If you want maximum room in your tank, you can have external overflow boxes made for your tank. mjunioc and doviiman have external overflow boxes.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?379597-quot-I-VE-BEEN-MONSTERIZED-quot


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...onster-822-gallon-(ext)-aquarium-build-thread

Another good thing about external overflow boxes, is that you don't have to drill a hole in your stand to plumb the overflow box! We haven't plumbed ours yet.

Anyway, don't write off overflow boxes and sump filtration until you've researched them thoroughly.

 

[kendragon]

My 225g and 260g have canister filters with glass media. 260g stocked with 10 pbass and 10 parrots. 225g stocked with 4 pbass (15"), 1 snook 22", and 4 severums. None of my tanks are drilled.

260g
View attachment 742505

Canister
View attachment 742506

225g

 

[nfored]

Closed loop like a canister above is the cleanest but also costly to do right. You could do a over head filter with the pumps on the out side of the tank connected directly to a bulk head drilled through the back of the tank. I like over head because it uses less energy then a standard sump, cost less the a canister, and allows you to store heaters in the over head. However if you can't hide the over head then it will look tacky and ugly. I think tanks with exposed over head filters detract from the fish.

 

[nfored]

Pacu are you worried those externals will bow at the bottom? I recently placed a 1/2 sheet over the top of my tank as a cover and its starting to bow with no weight. How ever I guess if the plumbing connected to the bottom is supported that it would act like a brace and help support it.