Thinking of starting a new tank - Cichlids

Discussion in 'General Fish Discussions' started by TheKaosDome, Jan 11, 2024.

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  1. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Thank you for taking pity on my poor sleepless soul .. hahahaha
     
    TheKaosDome, Jan 20, 2024
    #41
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  3. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Hey man, when the bite itches you scratch it ... hahaha

    So it will definitely need to be resealed.

    And the one side panel seem to have been moved in slightly as the bottom glass has a lip on the one side, so I am assuming something broke at some point and they DIY fixed it cause the silicon job looks like it was done by a drunk blind troglodyte.

    The polystyrene is also in really rough condition so will most likely replace that as well.


    The stand of the tank is not great and has no real space for a sump, so will need to get a cabinet or go with a canister filter for now.


    Not a train smash, just a lot to do while I am in the process of moving ... XD
     
    TheKaosDome, Jan 20, 2024
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  4. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Metel stand with wood cladding should give you enough room for the sump.
     
    Whoknows, Jan 20, 2024
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  5. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    What do you guys think of this for the sump return pump: Sobo WP-3500

    Specification
    - 25W
    - 50/60Hz
    - 1200L/Hr
    - H.Max 1.5M


    Was quoted basically R1350 for a 100L sump with return pump listed above. (including drilling of current tank)
     
    TheKaosDome, Jan 23, 2024
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  6. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    I wouldn't use it personally. The flow rate seems close enough around 4x turnover but the head hight is going to kill off a lot of that flow. My 1.2m tank is roughly 1.3M head hight so with that pump you'll have almost no flow.
     
    Whoknows, Jan 23, 2024
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  7. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Thanks very much, its bundled with the sump, so might just ask for the sump without the pump and grab a different one.
     
    TheKaosDome, Jan 23, 2024
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  8. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Might be better.

    I would say minimum 2 m max hight should be good.

    I used a dragonfly DF 2050 pump on my tank. That one should also work for you but unfortunately not available at pets shops can buy it online though
     
    Whoknows, Jan 23, 2024
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  9. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Daaaaamn, you run a beefy boi

    Amazing how you find a billion Sobo pumps and I dont even recognize/know the brand ... Guess knowing where to look helps ... XD

    ::: EDIT :::

    @Whoknows ... With high flow rate, do you use a diffuser or ?
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2024
    TheKaosDome, Jan 23, 2024
    #48
  10. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    I got it for dirt cheap so couldn't say no. Ran it until the impeller gave out then switched to a jeabo DCP pump.

    Sobo has become very popular I guess because it's lower cost. I like their airpumps. Cheap enough that when it breaks I buy a new one without messing with diaphragms.

    I don't use any diffuser. I just have a small 20 mm tank connector drilled into the top of the back glass of the tank. Water comes out there and makes minimal drain back when the power is off.

    You can also just return right into the tank with an elbow at the water surface.
     
    Whoknows, Jan 23, 2024
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  11. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Thank you so much for all the tips and help.

    I really appreciate it man
     
    TheKaosDome, Jan 24, 2024
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  12. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    So got my tank and sump back.

    Looks really good, just need to work on a return system for the tank, didnt expect only 1 hole to be drilled.

    Now I can start looking at return pumps and hardscape

    (Sorry for the bad pictures)


    Tank.jpg

    Sump.jpg
     
    TheKaosDome, Feb 20, 2024
    #51
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  13. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Tank looks really good now
     
    Whoknows, Feb 20, 2024
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  14. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Feels like a completely different tank to be honest ... hahaha

    Just need to find where I can get clear PVC tubing and work out a return for the tank that wont look messy
     
    TheKaosDome, Feb 20, 2024
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  15. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Definitely looks like a whole new tank too.

    What size clear PVC you looking for
     
    Whoknows, Feb 20, 2024
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  16. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Need to measure still, quick eyeball looks to be 45mm or 50mm OD where the outlet is

    Was considering just loosening the plastic nut by the overflow but didnt want to muck about too much. lol
     
    TheKaosDome, Feb 20, 2024
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  17. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    That's some big soft tubing I'll see if I can find out for you.

    Why not plumb the overflow with hard pipe though?

    I'm sure it should be fine to loosen as long as you tighten it properly once you're done
     
    Whoknows, Feb 20, 2024
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  18. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Sorry, I was referring to hard pipe, but wanted to see if I could get clear so it doesnt destroy the decor of where the tank is ... haha

    Hard fail on the details ... thats my bad, sorry
     
    TheKaosDome, Feb 20, 2024
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  19. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Okay I got you now. I'm not sure where to find something like that.
     
    Whoknows, Feb 20, 2024
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  20. OP
    TheKaosDome

    TheKaosDome

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    Still learning my new area, but google is my friend sometimes, will look for a plumbing store and see whats what
     
    TheKaosDome, Feb 20, 2024
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  21. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    @TheKaosDome

    Good to see you are making progress with the project :thumbup:
     
    Reedfish, Feb 22, 2024
    #60
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