Filtration Questions / Freshwater

[dwayne.aycock]

Hi all, I am new to the forum but not new to the hobby. Have been in the aquarium world for many years (approximately 17) when I had to sell all of my gear due to being in the military and the frequent moves required. i am getting back into the hobby after an 11 year lay off. I have set up a 75 gallon freshwater tank where I plan to have South American / Amazon Basin species tank ( Angles, tetras, tiger barbs, neons, corey cats etc). Later after about 12-18 months of stability, I plan to introduce Discus fish. I have set up a lot of filtration (mechanical, biological, chemical) but wanted to know your thoughts on my setup.

I am runnung a 20 gal wet/dry sump pump system with bio balls and a 300 GPH return pump.

I am running a cannister pump and filter with 3 media (floss, charcoal, bio balls) with 9W UV sterilizer and 350 GPH return pump.

Finally, I am running a 375 GPH return pump that goes theough a 2 stage household drinking water filter system which I am using as a water scrubber / polisher.

Currently the tank has no fish, but all gravel, plants and lighting. As the tank is cycling "new" I am taking my time with stocking the tank and wanted to be sure everything is good to go before adding fish. When I was a newby, the desire to add fish as soon as possible was the goal. now that I am older and experienced...I know the set up is the key as well as time and patience.

Your thoughts?
Dwayne

 

[aaronjohn20]

Everything sounds ok but I've not done a sump setup so others will chime in soon. But as for the house water filter, I would double check that because it could be robbing elements that your fish need. Not too sure though

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Have you tryed running the house filter with the pump?

I tryed it and it really slowed the flow to just a drizzle coming out. I was pushing it with over 1000 gph pump and it was just one H.Filter. What filter are you using?

 

[dwayne.aycock]

I am using household filters but I have changed out the cartridges because they were too restrictive. Instead I am using swimming pool filters (X2) which filter down to 30 microns. These give me the flow I want while at the same time really polishing the water. All I am using in the chemical section is activated charcoal and ammosorb. I have already had the bio bloom and am seeing the bulbs I planted in the substrate starting to make roots. Once my levels go up and come down again, I will slowly add fish....about 2 every other week.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I didn't think of using pool ones hmmm.. oh well best of luck to ya