Bigger pump or more power heads? HELP

I have a 4 foot tank with the sump built into the tank on the side. It doesn't have an overflow but has a small gap between the front glass and sump for water to flow into the sump and into the filter material where the pump in the 3rd section draws water pushing it into the tank. I don't want to put anything in the tank as all the equipment is in the sump area. I want to know if I use a big pump pushing water back into the tank will it create enough water movement to cause the dirt to end up in the sump.

 

The main purpose of the filter is to get rid of ammonia and nitrites. The few bits and particles in the water column that it does filter out are actually just a bonus - albeit a really handy one. A syphon should be the primary method to keep the tank mechanically clean, imho. This means that the size of the filter is actually pretty arbitrary. It all depends on the biological load. However, a good indication is that the water should cycle at least twice per hour (preferably more). It is difficult to judge from the picture the actual size of the sump and the pump, but it looks pretty good. How strong is the pump and how large (in litres) is your tank?

 

Pump is 1000l/h and the tank is roughly 230l. I do regular siphons I just thought that better water movement would help the filtration do a better job. I just upgraded to this type of setup and now I'm not sure if the stones in the pic are to absorb ammonia or are just there for bacteria to colonize.

 

As far as I know, not many things absorb ammonia well. The stones are there for bacteria colonies and is an excellent material, especially if it porous. The pump is more than effective - sounds to me if you're ready to go! I'd measure the ammonia levels in the beginning to spot any issues with the filter. What is your plan with it?

 

They not porous. Will swop them out with bio balls. What do you mean what's my plan ?

 

Sorry. I'm going with cichlids I'm fascinated with their colors and attitude. What fish do you have ?

 

Awesome! Cichlids are really cool fish to have. I have a 3 foot planted tank stoked with Altum Angels, X-ray Tetras, Cardinals and Ottos... (Actually, they're Zebra Angels, I just like to imagine they're Altums :-D)

 

Before turning your tanks into a speed queen, run the tank for a while see if you have any noticeable detritus build-up. Sometimes fitting a spray bar is all that is needed if you not going BIG on a planted tanks with CO2 injection.

Later Ferdie

 

Like a speed queen...Now that is a way of putting things lol...well says...and +1 on the advice