Type of filter for 650l tank

Hi guys,

Me again! I have another question about my upcoming 650l tank (180cm x 60cm x 60cm). As you may know by now, it's going to be a low tech, planted tank.
My question is: what type of filtration do you recommend for a tank of this size?
I am considering using a sump, is this a good idea?

Thanks for your help!

Gordon

 

Gordon I would recommend a sump with filter floss, bioballs + Ceramic rings ect or if you have the cash you can buy a good canister filter such as a eheim.

 

Thanks Wimpie.

I don't know much about sumps - will do some research tonight.

 

Sump for sure, 4ft+ underneath the display tank. Also gives you flexibility if you do go marine one day

 

Filtration

Hi Gordon.
I use to build a compartment inside the tank. This compartment will be devided into 3 section that will take your 3 stages of filter media.
I have loaded a picture of the typical system.
Please ignore the 1st picture.

 

Hi Gordon,

If you prepared to do the research and build the sump, most definately go that route. It's by far the most economical route for that size tank. Spidar's suggestion is also great, only problem I find with that is that it takes up space in the tank.

Also with a sump, iif your display tank is 650litrs and your sump is 200litres, then you in effect have an 850litre tank!

Canisters are great as well, but I think on that size tank, you might find it cheaper to go the sump route.

 

I will be geting a canister filter for my 500L but i think a sump would prob be better for a tank of your size.

 

Thanks for all the advice.
Sump is definitely sounding like the way to go!
Busy googling it now. Any recommended sites?

 

www.tropicalaquarium.co.za

search sump and read through the threads. There is MORE wealth of information here to get you started

 

thats for sure, also theres loads of pics and i think some schematics of previous sump designs by members

 

http://www.google.co.za/images?q=su...al&channel=s&tbs=isch:1&sa=N&start=60&ndsp=20

Here are a few pics of sump designs.

 

Hey peeps,

Need some advice from you as well...I myself have a 650l tank. Unfortunately my cabinet underneath does not allow for a sump.

So my question is...can i place a sump next to my tank (underneath a table so its hidden and still works on gravity) or shall i simply go with 2 x Dolphin C1300 canister filters?

Set up process currently, but the tank will house 2 oscars

 

Jax

Yes you can do that. What works well is when you have your tank on a wall with the garage or spare room on the other side, then you can place your filtration on the other side and only need to drill holes for your piping thru wall. that way keeps it very neat around your tank.

 

Hi Spider,

Yeah unfortunately I'm renting a place, don't think owner is gonna love me when I drill holes in his walls, LOL

Phoned a few aquarium specialty shops here and are getting mixed views on whether I should use a sump or canisters, so I'm quite literally stuck between a rock and a hard place...

 

You will find that the LPS (Local Pet Stores) that do not make/supply sumps will push for the canister, because they can then make a sale. Some more bigger LPS stores can make or supply to with a sump... so they will then recommend the sump route because they know it'll work better, and you will be back for more stuff from them.

 

After searching around for sump designs, I realised there is a small flaw in my plan; my tank isn't drilled.
I've seen a few designs that get around this by using an overflow, but they aren't very neat

 

It all depends on how you do the overflow. I've seen some really nice looking ones... They all DIY... haven't seen any available in a shop.

(Now there's an idea for someone... Make a DIY sump overflow... make it to about 900 length, and sell it. Anyone wanting one shorter must just cut the pipe!)

 

Reef Octopus overflow box

Tunze Overflow box

 

Some nice looking ones. But I can't help but think that if I have one of those then I might as well have an AquaClear or another HOB filter instead of a sump.
I know that a sump will do a far better job of filtering the water, but in a planted tank you don't really such an efficient filter; the plants do that for you...

Or use a cannister filter...

Damnit! So many choices!

 

Just get a decent canister filter, and be done with it.