WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

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frazzlerock5

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jun 19, 2008
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Georgia
Ok I just bought a 210 gallon... it's an oceanic and has 4 total holes on the bottom (2 on each side). Now, I've never done my own plumbing for a tank, and frankly I wouldn't know where to start. Even after reading many many threads on how to do your own sumps and everything I'm still really confused.

Anyways, I was either going to buy 2 Fx5s for filtration or use a a 55 gallon tank that I have as a sump. What would do better as filtration? What would be cheaper?

I want to go the cheaper route, but at the same time, I can't afford to screw up big time and have water all over the place.

If this was your tank, how would you filter it?

If I were to just plug the holes and run the Fx5 hoses over the back of the tank, how could I plug them?
 
Put in bulk head and stand pipes with intake strainers at a height where you want the water level. Then use the 55 as a sump, this will be cheaper than canister filters, plus you get the added advantage of surface extraction. Make sure that the sump can handle all the water that will flow out of the tank if the pump fails and keep the strainers clean.
 
Aqua Doctor;3171744; said:
you have bare holes with no overflow box around them?
Click to expand...

One side has an overflow box, the other side doesn't, it's just bare holes. The guy I got the tank from cut the box out on that one side.
 
SUMP FTW!!!!

do some more research.. plumbing a tank is really easy once you figure out the basics..
 
show some pics of the hole in the tank and we can better advise you!
 
Sounds like you have a reef ready set up where one hole is smaller than the other and a set in each corner. The way that is typically plumbed is the larger hole is the drain from the tank and the smaller hole you put the return from the pump. If one side does not have a box you can either put one back in but I believe they are only for looks.
 
I would go with a sump personally they are way cheeper. they are really simple to build and easy to maintain. your 55 should work great. a pic of the tank would be great so we can see what your working with and can help you plan it out. you will realize theres not alot to it once you get going.
 
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