Putting a custom setup together for the first time

Why not add a sump on to this tank.... No I'm just biased, I don't like canisters too expensive

Edit: corrected spelling

 

Guess I’m too intimidated by the idea of a sump, sounds like DIY
Plus for such a small water volume (180-230L)? What size sump would one need and is it not an overkill?
The DoPhin C1000 goes for about R1,800 would a sump be significantly cheaper?

 

You can have them built too.

I built the one for my tank for about R800 (note this was 2 years ago) its for a 250L tank. Holds around 50 liters of running water so now I have a 300 liter tank. The pump is about R400 but I went for a used one so got a great deal on it. I packed around 4Kgs of media in there and its only half full, I'll bet you can't do that with a Dophin also have my heaters down there so they not visable.

Each to there own though every type of filter has its advantageous and disadvantages

 

Forgot to add its a 3ft sump. Built from a tank you could buy at any petshop already made at least here in JHB

 

Mmm... certainly something to consider then. The tank builder could make it, will ask if I get the go-ahead.
Like that it can hold the heater. And of course so much media.

 

This is the stand I hope to use. A sump will have to be very shallow to fit in the bottom middle part, which measures 68cm long and 33cm high. So a sump might have to be about 20 cm high to allow for access?

 

2ft sump could fit down there for sure but the hight is going to be an issue. Since you'll need to leave a gap for water back siphoning when power goes out, as it often does. I have 15cm on mine but 8 - 10 cm is better. So you'd only have 60 x 10 cm of usable room. Think it might be to little. Plus I wouldn't want to cut holes in a nice cupboard like that.

How about putting the sump next to?
Or just get the canister actually might be better for your set up.

 

Thanks mate! Good to consider in any case.

 

Very true. So when is the tank getting delivered.

 

I haven’t even broached the whole subject yet. Not the right time!
But a great opportunity to properly research equipment etc and total budget.

 

I’m itching myself, make no mistake!

A Zetlight ZP4000P 150 would cost about R1,500 but they’re being phased out and I might not even get my hands on one.
I’m totally in love with my new Zetlight Aqua but then I’ll have to get several of them which will be both pricy and visually not ideal.
Zetlight Lancia 2, haven’t checked the price yet.
Hanging something from the ceiling is unfortunately not an option.

I’m not planning on using any particularly demanding plants, but the light quality should enhance the scape and the design of the light should be sleek. Plus not break the bank
I’m not very demanding at all

 

Aaaaaagh
I checked with a broomstick and then a spirit level, and it is indeed bowing. Thanks!

I can always go back to the drawing board and get a quote for a stand made up with similar dimensions, but with a door for a canister filter etc.

 

I can build you a wood stand like mine but I doubt that would fit in a DHL box lol

 

Thanks @JPB yes that makes sense.
We have a good and reasonable carpenter who makes beautiful furniture from recycled oregan pine, to measure. Think I’ll have to get a quote.
But sho, things add up quickly....

 

Great news! I just got the go-ahead for this project, however not in the spot I had in mind (so will not be viewed from all 4 sides). I’ll take what I can get

Will have a strong stand made up. The hubby says it has to be optiglass cause he doesn’t really like my small tanks in float glass as much as he does the 180L. So they’ll have to move elsewhere in the house. I’m not complaining

 

Very nice.

My door is always open to accept your "ugly" float glass tanks. Haha no just joking