300 gallon

[clermont]

I've recently acquired a 300 gallon set-up a week ago, and it's good working condition. It's been up and running a couple years, water reading seem to be in order and the fish are doing well. I have a couple concerns about its filtration and wanted to get some opinions. Right now it is has two overflow boxes connected to a Sea life 300 wet dry filter and a UV sterilizer. The previous owner was not using a protein skimmer, but I am looking into add this on. My concern is with the wet dry, though it's rated for up to 300 gallons it seems a bit small for the tank. The previous owner had it connected to a battery back-up which should last about 6 hours, after thatsome water will have to be removed. Just wanted some options, Is this filter too small? If so what would be a proper size to keep from flooding in case of power outtage? Also any recommendations on a protein skimmer capable of handling a 300 gallon set-up.
:notsure:

 

[dogstar]

Hard to say, Depends on how strong your pumps are and how much then drains back. You can see by letting it drain into buckets or bail the sump to buckets as it drains. Can you just keep the normal water level lower so theres more room to drain? I dont know how big a Sea Life 300 is but maybe get a regular glass aquqrium and sit it inside so if it does over flow it will hold the spill. Or turn that into a sump.
Dont know what to tell you bout the skimmers,so many out there. I use two and together there rater for350gl. and my tank is 180gl.

 

[clermont]

QUOTE] regular glass aquarium and sit it inside so if it does over flow it will hold the spill.
Good idea.Thanks!

 

[acrylic51]

You might be able to get away with keeping the water level lower but then you have to worry about the pump sucking air or a whirlpool affect.... Are your water returns drilled up through the bottom of the tank or do the return water to the tank "over the top"?
If you are returning water over the top of the tank you can drill syphon break holes in your return just below the water line and that will limit the amount of back drain going to the sump. Why not just test starting at a constant level above your pump and shut it off and see how far it drains and raises the sump and if to much fire it up and you know then you will need to take water away from the sump????