In tank filtration system?

stingray4540 · Dec 18, 2013

So here's my situation. I have a free 150 gallon I can get, but the only place I can put it, is right against the wall.

The bottom isn't drilled, and the proximity to the wall prevents me from drilling the back, as I can't accommodate the 2-3 inches needed for the plumbing to elbow down.

So, what I was thinking, was to just silicone in a big plexiglass box against the back that would have slots to overflow on one side, and a hole on the other side for the outflow of a pump, and fill the area between the intake and the pump with foam and bio media.

The only con is that it would take up swimming space

Any other cons you guys can think of?

**Any other options you can think of for an external or sump filtration, considering my space restriction? **

I wish all tanks had drilled, built in overflows...

Sploke · Dec 19, 2013

That would work, the other thing to look at would be reverse-flow undergravel filter, or hamburg mattenfilter. I ran the "over-engineered reverse-flow undergravel filter" in a brackish tank and was very happy with it, read here:

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article64.html

That was designed by RTR, who used to be an active member here years ago.

Also, on the mattenfilter:

http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/

FreshyFresh · Dec 19, 2013

Why not just run a canister filter? All you have are hoses running down the back, that don't take up much more room than cords from heaters and lighting.

If the tank is literally mashed right up against a wall, I've never heard of that. That can't be good for the tank or wall with the way things expand/contract, vibrate, etc..

Joseph Huntley · Dec 19, 2013

I second the motion for a canister you can run the 2 small hoses on the side

Manafel · Dec 19, 2013

You could do a canister or a couple of big Sponge filters?

Rbishop · Dec 19, 2013

Bottom drill if it isn't tempered glass.....

ZorroNet · Dec 19, 2013

I have a similar situation, so instead of the back, I put my filter on the side of the tank. Once you get used to it, you will forget it's there. A canister would indeed be cleaner looking though.

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Gregg · Dec 22, 2013

I agree with the bottom drill or a couple of large sponge filters

The Hydro Pond 2 & 4 have two very large reticulated sponges that have the capacity of many of the largest canister filters.
See this listing for pond sponge filters that also work great for large aquariums:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Hydropondfilter.html

As for the bottom drill, I have done this with many aquariums in the past, although I generally had the bottom drilled with the bottom glass plate prior to tank construction, just in case it cracked.
Once in, I would add a canister filter, along with a good ball valve, not the cheapie valves that come with 90% of canister filters.
The return would be a pvc pipe on the opposite side of the aquarium that generally rose above the water line to prevent back draining during servicing or in case of a problem.

FishFanMan · Dec 22, 2013

I'd just worry about the integrity of that bottom plate with two holes in it. Hopefully it was over engineered...

ZorroNet · Dec 23, 2013

My 55 says "Tempered Do Not Drill"... better be sure!

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In tank filtration system?

stingray4540

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