Simple sump or HOB filter?

happyquilter320 · 07-12-2009, 05:38 AM

So, I have a 75 gallon tank I want to set up, but I've never had a tank that big before.

I can't decide what to do about a filter. I'm very intrigued with the idea of a small sump filter (10 gallon...maybe bigger).

I kinda want to put an oscar in that tank, and I hear they're very messy fish, and I'm concerned about the bioload. I'm also concerned about it moving/breaking the heater.

Reasons I can think of to use a sump:

1. Gets the heater out of the tank
2. Larger area for biological filtration
3. Probably similar cost to HOB, cheaper if I get 2
4. I like to do overkill when it comes to filtration

Option 2: Just suck it up and buy 2 HOBs and a shatterproof heater.

Just one concern there though...Are 2 biowheels enough biofiltration?

Anyone have any thoughts? And ya, I know, the bigger the sump the better.

Lotus · 07-12-2009, 12:03 PM

Sumps are nice, but you do need to either drill the tank or get an overflow box. Also, the pumps can get expensive.

For our tanks that are around that size, we run a canister filter and a HOB filter.

Once the tank is established for more than about 6 months, you probably won't have to worry about biological filtration, as there will be plenty of bacteria in the tank.

happyquilter320 · 07-12-2009, 06:02 PM

That's a great idea! Some of the cheaper canister filter aren't that much more than a water pump. It'd be easier too. Thank You!

Any brand suggestions, or which brand I should stay away from?

Lotus · 07-12-2009, 07:49 PM

Everyone will give you different opinions on canister filters. I personally like the Eheim Pros, but they're really expensive. I've found them to be worth the money.

You can also go for a Magnum or a Filstar filter, both are good filters for a lot less.

camuhrun · 08-01-2009, 11:30 PM

I was searching a few forums the other day trying to get ideas about a DIY sump filter. There was a link to some site that sells cheap overflow boxes (maybe $30-40). I've been trying to find it again with no luck...can anyone help me out?

camuhrun · 08-02-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camuhrun

I was searching a few forums the other day trying to get ideas about a DIY sump filter. There was a link to some site that sells cheap overflow boxes (maybe $30-40). I've been trying to find it again with no luck...can anyone help me out?

Found it! aquatraders.com

07-12-2009, 05:38 AM	#1
happyquilter320 Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: St.Paul MN Posts: 2	Simple sump or HOB filter? So, I have a 75 gallon tank I want to set up, but I've never had a tank that big before. I can't decide what to do about a filter. I'm very intrigued with the idea of a small sump filter (10 gallon...maybe bigger). I kinda want to put an oscar in that tank, and I hear they're very messy fish, and I'm concerned about the bioload. I'm also concerned about it moving/breaking the heater. Reasons I can think of to use a sump: 1. Gets the heater out of the tank 2. Larger area for biological filtration 3. Probably similar cost to HOB, cheaper if I get 2 4. I like to do overkill when it comes to filtration Option 2: Just suck it up and buy 2 HOBs and a shatterproof heater. Just one concern there though...Are 2 biowheels enough biofiltration? Anyone have any thoughts? And ya, I know, the bigger the sump the better. __________________ 28 gallon Mollies 2 hatchetfish 75 Gallon still pondering setup

07-12-2009, 12:03 PM	#2
Lotus Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,778	Sumps are nice, but you do need to either drill the tank or get an overflow box. Also, the pumps can get expensive. For our tanks that are around that size, we run a canister filter and a HOB filter. Once the tank is established for more than about 6 months, you probably won't have to worry about biological filtration, as there will be plenty of bacteria in the tank. __________________ Lotus and Ecotank's tanks "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

07-12-2009, 06:02 PM	#3
happyquilter320 Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: St.Paul MN Posts: 2	That's a great idea! Some of the cheaper canister filter aren't that much more than a water pump. It'd be easier too. Thank You! Any brand suggestions, or which brand I should stay away from? __________________ 28 gallon Mollies 2 hatchetfish 75 Gallon still pondering setup

07-12-2009, 07:49 PM	#4
Lotus Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,778	Everyone will give you different opinions on canister filters. I personally like the Eheim Pros, but they're really expensive. I've found them to be worth the money. You can also go for a Magnum or a Filstar filter, both are good filters for a lot less. __________________ Lotus and Ecotank's tanks "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

08-01-2009, 11:30 PM	#5
camuhrun Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2	I was searching a few forums the other day trying to get ideas about a DIY sump filter. There was a link to some site that sells cheap overflow boxes (maybe $30-40). I've been trying to find it again with no luck...can anyone help me out?