224g aquarium filtration ideas?

[Kribensis]

Ok in short. DO I need and if so what size sump for a 224g acrylic aquarium?

Im getting a 224 acrylic aquarium that needs finishing work on the stand and the ppl started sanding it but have stopped due to a moving situation. So I have some polishing and finishing work to do on the stand at first. But then my house will have a 224g empty aquarium. So... With that thought in mind. And the project work going to take maby a week or 2(I hope).

Im thinking about using a sump. But not sure if I need it or if I should just use canisters. Im clueless when it comes to sumps. I know it pulls water down from the overflow box and a pump sends it back to the tank. But there is a part of me that is afraid of them and thinks it will end up flooding me home. Can someone help me on this new project. I will post pics and current events when I get started. Thanks.

I think I need a Sumps for dumbbells book.

BTW its going to be a freshwater cichlid tank. And I dont over crowd my tanks.

Also... Is there a way I can use a canister filter as the pump? hehee just thinking.

 

[Supa Belle]

In my 90 gal saltwater tank I run a 30 gal sump with fuge for oxygen and nutrient export as well as a canister filter. With your size tank I would run a sump so you can plant it for oxygen and the thing with cichlids they are messy so I'd run a canister also IMO size wise id build a sump as big as the space allowed. I wouldn't go no less than 50-75gal tho incase power outage don't want any spills

 

[Kribensis]

wow, really? OMG. Thats a larger sump then I was thinking. I was looking at youtube at DIY sumps and ppl were using the plastic totes/bins. But I think that if I were to make my own sump the size of the tanks used as a sump are larger then the room I may have under the stand. The depth from front to back that is. hmmmm....

 

[Supa Belle]

It happens lol you could try smaller but I wouldn't advise less than 50 gal

 

[Kribensis]

If the stands inside distentions are not 18" because of 2x4's am I out of luck on the sump idea? Or do I have to build a tank myself that would fit. Im sorry. I have so many questions regarding sumps. ANd dont know ware to go for answers. Thanks for all your help though.

 

[Supa Belle]

You could build one yourself and that way it will be the way you like it and want it

 

[Kribensis]

I was just thinking of one of them plywood aquariums some ppl have built. Im sure a wood box with blue liquid rubber coated inside would be easy enough. You think? Or do I need to be able to see through the sides?

 

[Supa Belle]

You could always use a few rubber maid totes and plumb them together

 

[Kribensis]

You could always use a few rubber maid totes and plumb them together

Like silicone a bunch of hoses to each container so water passes from one to the other? My fear is power outages and water spilling out

 

[Supa Belle]

U would get the big ones not the small ones lol like 2- 95 quart totes preferably clear and plumb them with PVC. 2-95 quarts is approx 50 gal and if space allows you can always get a third one same size or the next size down