I couldn't sleep last night do to a bad decision in regards to my tank setup. Here is my story... I purchased a 150g with a nice hardwood stand and canopy. I opted for the wet/dry filtration system...some said that it would be fine, others said to go with a canister.....I found out that wet/dry = BIG MISTAKE..... Well, last week I installed the plumbing under my tank for the wet/dry sump. After about a week of my tank just sitting there I finally got to putting in water last night. I turned on the pump and was astonished by the excruciatingly loud noise of the overflow and sump..not to mention how much the water was being agitated (potential to gas off CO2). I was devastated. I have spent so much time planning for this tank, researching lighting req, substrate, ferts, press. CO2 injection, aquascape, plants etc. that this screw up is killing me. I ended up modifying the over flow with Durso Stand pipes which reduced the noise, but not nearly enough. The whole flitration set up seems to be a flop in terms of what I intend to use it for - a serene planted tank. On top of it all, I paid an arm and a leg to have holes drilled in the bottom of my tank and to have corner weirs installed.
Well, I've come to terms with the fact that I have to suck it up, cut my losses, and consider it an expensive lesson learned. I should be able to return the sump - it's a standard item from the tank manufacturer, but the tank is probably mine forever...since I had holes drilled and weirs installed...I created a "custom tank" designed just for me. I still have 4 days to return my sump's return pump to Big Als ($160). I figure I should exchange it for a quality canister filter...which I know nothing about and am running extremely short on time to make a decision. I guess I can still make use of the weirs to hide my heater and pH electrode (currently in the sump). I may even be able to put a CO2 reactor in one of them.(Hidden is good) I will have to cap the four holes drilled in the bottom rear corners of my tank and live with the fact that they are pointlessly there.
Pls pls pls, if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should do send them my way. I really need some emergency insight on canister filters. From what I've read Eheim is a good brand. 80Gal Joe once recommended a Filstar 4. Maybe the Eheim 2028, or is the 2200 series better. Should I get a filter that is rated over the gallon amount I need? One reminder - the tank is 150g, intended for heavy planting.
Thank You all soooooo much.
Well, I've come to terms with the fact that I have to suck it up, cut my losses, and consider it an expensive lesson learned. I should be able to return the sump - it's a standard item from the tank manufacturer, but the tank is probably mine forever...since I had holes drilled and weirs installed...I created a "custom tank" designed just for me. I still have 4 days to return my sump's return pump to Big Als ($160). I figure I should exchange it for a quality canister filter...which I know nothing about and am running extremely short on time to make a decision. I guess I can still make use of the weirs to hide my heater and pH electrode (currently in the sump). I may even be able to put a CO2 reactor in one of them.(Hidden is good) I will have to cap the four holes drilled in the bottom rear corners of my tank and live with the fact that they are pointlessly there.
Pls pls pls, if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should do send them my way. I really need some emergency insight on canister filters. From what I've read Eheim is a good brand. 80Gal Joe once recommended a Filstar 4. Maybe the Eheim 2028, or is the 2200 series better. Should I get a filter that is rated over the gallon amount I need? One reminder - the tank is 150g, intended for heavy planting.
Thank You all soooooo much.
)
