Filtration Questions

[smt91278]

ive got a 90 gal FOWLR setup im cycling. ive got 90lbs of LR and a live sand bed of 2-3 inches. im researching canister filtration right now, and looking for advise for a good canister setup. i don't have a skimmer either so any advise for a good one of those would be great. i don't have a sump setup, please keep that in mind.

 

[gsellers]

canister setups are more for FW...honestly i would save up for a hang on overflow and a sump which you can easily make yourself. For those on a budget i would recommend the octopus nw150 for a tank that size as they are the best bang for their buck.

 

[smt91278]

Originally Posted by GSELLERS
http:///forum/post/2786327
canister setups are more for FW...honestly i would save up for a hang on overflow and a sump which you can easily make yourself. For those on a budget i would recommend the octopus nw150 for a tank that size as they are the best bang for their buck.
i researched posts on sumps and have heard alot of horror stories about the sump and or tank overflowing causing a flood. thats the biggest reason why id try to avoid a sump setup.
the other reason is i have NOOOO idea on how to setup one up. i know you can buy hang-on overflows and it runs off siphoning. i know you return pump should have a flowrate around the same as the overflow box claims to put out. other than that i don't know what goes in the sump tank, or how big the tank should be to be effective.
i am certainly open to any pointers on how to setup a sump. so feel free to explain what equipment i need and should add to the sump setup.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Well, canister filters certainly have their place. And it's not just FW. However a sump/fuge is the way to go.

Really if it's set up properly, it wont cause you any issues. Your tank will be so much healthier than with the canister filter. So I have to highly recommend doing some research here on sumps and refugiums. There is a lot of information right here. Go to the search type in sump, refugium, fuge, and you can search by my name for a lot of info on them. But don't stop there, research macro algae as well as natural nitrate reducing sand beds ,NR DSB etc. Also live rock rubble, pod piles. Don't just search by my name though, look to many others for their input. Then when you think you really understand the concept, we can help you put one online, even build one if you like. Just remember though there's more to setting one up than just putting a smaller aquarium down there and pumping water through it.