Filters

[stunner197]

Hey hey everyone! Okay I have a question. I have a 75G hex tank and am trying to figure out what kind of filtration to use. I am currently running it is fresh water so I have a hang on back dual chamber filter takes up most of the back of the tank. I am guessing that I cannot use this for SW. I have looked at canister filters, and even thought about building a sump. The thought of building the sump has all ready made me stress just thinking about it. My main problem is the limited back space I have to hang things off the back. I know am going to need a protien skimmer and if I do not have to build the sump it will hang. Ack does anyone have any suggestions on what type of filter I should use?? :help:

 

[usinkit]

biuld the sump. i have a sump/refugium and that was the best addition to my tank. I run no other filters not even the sponges on the return pump or overflow and my tank is nice and clear. if you do decide on not doing the sump any canister or HOB will work. they are pretty much the same.

 

[benj420]

I am also a fan of sumps or sump/refugiums. If you have any DIY skills at all, you can drill the bottom of the tank and put a bulkhead in. From the bulkhead you can run PVC pipe straight up, cut some notches in it, and make an overflow with strainer. That way you can hide all of the ugly stuff like heater, skimmer, etc in the sump and not have any of it, or the cords running to the top of the tank. You could even plumb the return through another bulkhead, or up the back where the filter used to go.
Also, I would not use the current filter system or a canister. They are not really effective in SW aquariums and a skimmer is a much better way to filter as it removes proteins from the water column, not simply trapping it in the water where it will continue to decay (unless you clean the filter daily).
P.S. I'm assuming it's acrylic, right?

 

[stunner197]

I am a little leary of drilling a hole in the bottom of the tank but I can have the return going where the filter usta be. Its a glass tank. I checked out Melev's Reef Site and found some great info on it about building the sump. It is a little tricky due to space underneth the tank. I still have the freshwater running I am doing all this research and then going to purchase things in about 1.5 months. Gotta wait for bday and xmas money. A girl that I work with her mom does SW and is going to sell me about 40 pounds of base rock, for 50 bucks does this sound like a good deal. I checked it out and its really nice rock with a lot of diff. sizes.

 

[benj420]

Yeah, that would be a good price. Usually the cheapest you can find is about $3 per pound. How were you planning on getting the water into the sump, a hang on back overflow? You might be able to fit one where the filter is currently and maybe get the return line in there too.
Drilling glass is possible, but not for the faint of heart. The bits are expensive, and if you crack the tank, you are out of luck.

 

[stunner197]

Originally Posted by Benj420
Yeah, that would be a good price. Usually the cheapest you can find is about $3 per pound. How were you planning on getting the water into the sump, a hang on back overflow? You might be able to fit one where the filter is currently and maybe get the return line in there too.
Drilling glass is possible, but not for the faint of heart. The bits are expensive, and if you crack the tank, you are out of luck.
-And I would be the person to crack the tank, just my luck
Thats exactly what I was thinking, about the overflow and the return. Do you think it would be possible to use the filter that I have now and run the lines through it with a little bit of drilling? And then adding the protein skimmer, heater and other items to the sump? Thats was kind of what I was aiming at.

 

[benj420]

It might be possible, but don't do it to save a buck, you will regret it in the long run. A hang on overflow has to be just right or it will eventually fail and that equals a flood. 75 gallons is great in a tank, but sucks on your floor. I have never used one, but from what I have heard, CPR makes a good one. Do a google seach for " CPR CS50 Overflow Box" and you will find what I'm talking about.

 

[stunner197]

Okay so the thoughts of the costs involved with making the sump and the time and effort have me really stressed and does not seem worth it to me. I will end up pulling my hair out lol...I did some researching and found this...
Description:
Wet/Dry Filters are a must for any aquatic eco-system, they enhance biological filtration as well as mechanical filtration with the proper pump they will cut down maintenance time and do a much better job than traditional filters including canister filters. This Pro Clear Aquatics Pro 75 unit has a built in venturi Protein Skimmer. A RIO 600 pump is included with the unit to run the skimmer. This filter is rated for aquariums up to 75 gallons and flow rates of 300 GPH. All units include Bio-Balls, a polishing block, return hose, siphon hose, and return valve. Dimensions: 19.75"L x 8.25"W x 21"H. Capacity: 75 GAL OR 300 GPH. BIO AREA: Approximately 2.4 gallons with the sump area coming in at over 8.75 gallons. The attached skimmer is 20"H x 3"W, and features venturi action with an adjustable venturi valve, an effluent drain hose, and a removable collection cup for cleaning. Recommended Return pump CA/CAP2200.
All togather including buying the recommended return pump will only cost me about $217.90
How does that sound?

 

[usinkit]

it sounds alright. just dont use the bio balls they will trap food which will cause your nitrates to climb. I still would biuld a sump/refugium instead. i was thinking the same way you are. i thought it would be a nightmaare to biuld and what if i had a flood, but now that I biult one and its been in service for a year now i wonder how i managed without one for the past few years.you will be suprised on how easy it is to biuld once you get going.

 

[stunner197]

About how much $ did you spend making yours? My fear is that I will buy all the stuff and it will cost more than what I could of bought something for and then it wont work..

 

[usinkit]

maybe 85.00 with most of it coming from buying a brand new 30 gallon tank. should of looked for a used one.