First tank filtration?

DP202

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I'm starting my first reef salt water tank which will be 105ltrs and im planning on a sump with a custom built overflow box drilled through the aquarium using a herbie overflow system. But ive seen some builds using just a cannister filter with a built in heater which I like the look of but that wont fit a portein skimmer. Is a sump for my size aquarium too much?.
 

Mebbid

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A sump is much better than a canister filter and a sump works for pretty much any tank. You'll be able to use a heater controller on an independent heater which you likely wont be able to on a combination filter heater.
 

mcarroll

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Nothing wrong with a sump if that's your druther – it would be great!

That's also a nice size for an all-in-one setup too though. Check out the Tunze 9004 skimmer. If you want a filter module check out their Streamfilter or Comline filter. The Streamfilter is run by a flow pump so it can take the place of a powerhead almost directly. (Efficient since you'll have a powerhead for corals anyway...this way you don't give up much more space and also have a filter, if that's useful in your case. Skimmer-only can work VERY well.)
 

Mr. Mojo Rising

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A canister is a filter, a sump is a secondary tank hidden in the cabinet that holds equipment. They are completely different things and should not be compared.

Its perfectly viable to use either a sump or a canister, I have even seen some folks with a sump still use a canister.

Having no sump and no filter is another viable option, this is called the berlin method.

If you don't have a sump for a skimmer, they make hob (hang on back) skimmers.
 

Freenow54

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A sump is much better than a canister filter and a sump works for pretty much any tank. You'll be able to use a heater controller on an independent heater which you likely wont be able to on a combination filter heater.
I disagree with the statement . I have three Tanks and three Canister Filters . One a 40 is all that I use . My 100 I use one to add Media, and have a sump. My Third which started as a stand alone 55 , upgraded to a 75 I was going to run 2 Canister filters , as it was a fresh water set up from years ago. Lately I too drilled my Tank . I tried myself . Not for the uneducated or inexperienced , I screwed up the second hole , and the Tank was compromised. I took it apart , bought another 75 the same . I had a local Glass and mirror guy cut up the ruined tank for the sump baffles as glass that thickness is huge money to me. The old Tank glass was 7 mm and to get 5 pieces cut it was around $50 Canadian , The Holes cost $ 26. and I had great advice from a member all the way through. He shall remain nameless until it is all set up and running . If you are planning on drilling it yourself , and want the best guidance going I will ask if its ok with Him to Connect you. i was inspired to go Canister alone by the above Gentleman Mr. Mojo Rising. The only reason for adding a Sump which I am making myself from a 40 breeder is because I don't like the looks of HOB Skimmers , plus the danger of it overflowing.
All that just to Advise you of my overflow choice . It is a Modular Marine , check out their website . They are beautifully made . They will drill the drain holes as you wish , but I went with a Bean Animal 3 pipe . It is a what they call a low profile . The thing about the design is that they will not overflow as the wier , and box are at the same level. It has been very educational . I just siliconed in my first " dam " baffle this morning . I stink at doing silicone but following advice it turned out really well. Just another approach to think about . A lot of work and extra money to have an Internal Skimmer . I still have to pipe the Sump and buy a pump to return the water to the display .
 

Nasrath

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I did have AIO tank with filtration in back and now I have sump. Sump is way more practical and better looking than AIO in my opinion. Can’t say much about canisters, but if you have space for sump, you definitely won’t regret it.
 

Mebbid

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I disagree with the statement . I have three Tanks and three Canister Filters . One a 40 is all that I use . My 100 I use one to add Media, and have a sump. My Third which started as a stand alone 55 , upgraded to a 75 I was going to run 2 Canister filters , as it was a fresh water set up from years ago. Lately I too drilled my Tank . I tried myself . Not for the uneducated or inexperienced , I screwed up the second hole , and the Tank was compromised. I took it apart , bought another 75 the same . I had a local Glass and mirror guy cut up the ruined tank for the sump baffles as glass that thickness is huge money to me. The old Tank glass was 7 mm and to get 5 pieces cut it was around $50 Canadian , The Holes cost $ 26. and I had great advice from a member all the way through. He shall remain nameless until it is all set up and running . If you are planning on drilling it yourself , and want the best guidance going I will ask if its ok with Him to Connect you. i was inspired to go Canister alone by the above Gentleman Mr. Mojo Rising. The only reason for adding a Sump which I am making myself from a 40 breeder is because I don't like the looks of HOB Skimmers , plus the danger of it overflowing.
All that just to Advise you of my overflow choice . It is a Modular Marine , check out their website . They are beautifully made . They will drill the drain holes as you wish , but I went with a Bean Animal 3 pipe . It is a what they call a low profile . The thing about the design is that they will not overflow as the wier , and box are at the same level. It has been very educational . I just siliconed in my first " dam " baffle this morning . I stink at doing silicone but following advice it turned out really well. Just another approach to think about . A lot of work and extra money to have an Internal Skimmer . I still have to pipe the Sump and buy a pump to return the water to the display .

What went wrong that you broke 2 tanks while drilling them? It's a pretty simple procedure with a $15 drill guide, a diamond hole drill bit, and a hose.

Sumps will hide all the equipment, reduce fluctuations in salinity, add extra capacity for nutrient removal, and increase the water volume. All things that a canister filter can't do. The added complexity doesn't nullify that there are more benefits to running a sump over a canister.
 

Freenow54

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What went wrong that you broke 2 tanks while drilling them? It's a pretty simple procedure with a $15 drill guide, a diamond hole drill bit, and a hose.

Sumps will hide all the equipment, reduce fluctuations in salinity, add extra capacity for nutrient removal, and increase the water volume. All things that a canister filter can't do. The added complexity doesn't nullify that there are more benefits to running a sump over a canister.
one hole nice to know that I found an expert back off is that clear ?
 

Mebbid

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What went wrong that you broke 2 tanks while drilling them? It's a pretty simple procedure with a $15 drill guide, a diamond hole drill bit, and a hose.

Sumps will hide all the equipment, reduce fluctuations in salinity, add extra capacity for nutrient removal, and increase the water volume. All things that a canister filter can't do. The added complexity doesn't nullify that there are more benefits to running a sump over a canister.
one hole nice to know that I found an expert back off is that clear ?
Lol easy killer, its not that serious
 

Freenow54

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What went wrong that you broke 2 tanks while drilling them? It's a pretty simple procedure with a $15 drill guide, a diamond hole drill bit, and a hose.

Sumps will hide all the equipment, reduce fluctuations in salinity, add extra capacity for nutrient removal, and increase the water volume. All things that a canister filter can't do. The added complexity doesn't nullify that there are more benefits to running a sump over a canister.
OK other than your childish and Personal Attack on me . And I don't trust you to show me all the simple holes you have personally done . It was a learning curve for me. I missed doing a simple thing . I would appreciate you keeping your personal attacks to yourself especially the Private one . If you want , I will involve the monitor . If you had actually read my post you would have seen that I have Sumps on my other two tanks , and stated the reasons you said . A sump alone will not keep a stable salinity without an ATO . As stated I use my Canister filters to put removable media in acting as a Refugium . Also because of sponge Filters it filters " Nutrients " as well . These two approaches have different functions the way I use them . I posted all that to give an alternate point of view . I Really don't care what you do at all. I could not change your mind if I wanted to. You obviously have your mind made up. There is a word for that but it eludes me. Also I was working in my basement not in backyard . Please do NOT reply as I am not interested in proving to the Person asking for advice to think this forum is degenerating
 

Mebbid

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What went wrong that you broke 2 tanks while drilling them? It's a pretty simple procedure with a $15 drill guide, a diamond hole drill bit, and a hose.

Sumps will hide all the equipment, reduce fluctuations in salinity, add extra capacity for nutrient removal, and increase the water volume. All things that a canister filter can't do. The added complexity doesn't nullify that there are more benefits to running a sump over a canister.
OK other than your childish and Personal Attack on me . And I don't trust you to show me all the simple holes you have personally done . It was a learning curve for me. I missed doing a simple thing . I would appreciate you keeping your personal attacks to yourself especially the Private one . If you want , I will involve the monitor . If you had actually read my post you would have seen that I have Sumps on my other two tanks , and stated the reasons you said . A sump alone will not keep a stable salinity without an ATO . As stated I use my Canister filters to put removable media in acting as a Refugium . Also because of sponge Filters it filters " Nutrients " as well . These two approaches have different functions the way I use them . I posted all that to give an alternate point of view . I Really don't care what you do at all. I could not change your mind if I wanted to. You obviously have your mind made up. There is a word for that but it eludes me. Also I was working in my basement not in backyard . Please do NOT reply as I am not interested in proving to the Person asking for advice to think this forum is degenerating
I apologize for upsetting you, it appears that my original comment came across as insulting to you which was not my intention at all.
 
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DP202

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What went wrong that you broke 2 tanks while drilling them? It's a pretty simple procedure with a $15 drill guide, a diamond hole drill bit, and a hose.

Sumps will hide all the equipment, reduce fluctuations in salinity, add extra capacity for nutrient removal, and increase the water volume. All things that a canister filter can't do. The added complexity doesn't nullify that there are more benefits to running a sump over a canister.
Did end up going with a custom sump. Managed to drill the tank did jump a little, but once you get it going it’s not bad.
 

Freenow54

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Glad it worked out!
So I will assume that you just worded your post poorly . I will explain how I screwed up. I do have a drill guide , on the advice of a tank builder on this thread that's helping me . I removed the guide spring which made it free floating . I also changed the guide bushings to the tighter ones . I think this was one mistake . I drilled 5 test holes in pieces of glass I bought just for that purpose . All turmned out great . I made a sandwich using plywood . One of which had a guide hole in it 1/2 inch . I then went to AI for ideas . I tried to drill the tank on its side drilling from the outside in . AI suggested to tape a piece of plywood on the inside . My tape was old and would not stick so I did not do that as I saw no benefit . Mistake 2. My first hole in the tank was great . I must have gotten overconfident and just at the last I could feel the glass cut finishing on one side of the hole , so I tilted the drill with guide attached a bit . I though the hole was good until I checked . I feel the slight tilting cracked it . Mistake 3.
When I took the new tank to the glass shop the guy there laid the tank on its side on top of a whole 4 5 by 2 piece of plywood , and drilled it from the inside . Something AI said not to do which I wanted to . So lesson learned
 

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