Could use some expert advise on filtration and tank design on a larger tank (200g+)

T

TT_Vert

AC Members
Jun 19, 2014
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Currently I have two tanks (one 72g bowfront and a 46g? hex tank). Each has African cichlids in them and one aquatic turtle. The turtles were raised w/ the fish and there has never been an issue w/ one attacking the other in 4+ years. With that said the turtles have grown and I feel they are each outgrowing their tanks. I have a total of 8 African cichlids in the two tanks plus the 2 turtles. I'm looking to go w/ a very large tank (Probably a 72x24x30 tank). I have a few things I'd like to do but I'd like an expert opinion.

1. Hide all hoses (A bottom feed filtration system? What type would best suite my setup?)
2. Hide the heater in the sump or wet/dry.
3. Not consume the entire tank stand area w/ a filtration system
4. Having nothing exit the rear of the tank to keep the tank as close to the wall as possible.

Thank you for any information/advise you could give me. I'm not against a custom stand, filtration system or canopy. I plan to make my own lighting system w/ digital timer, relays, led's and also
florescent lighting as well as a heat lamp for the one basking turtle. I plan to also custom make a basking area for the basking turtle in the canopy area but that's easy after I get past the hard part (filtration).

Dave
 
I'd suggest a tank that is bottom drilled with an overflow in the corner and a wet/dry underneath the stand. The size of the wet/dry can be designed to fit your needs. A 6' x 2' stand will hold a large sump system.

Mark
 
Can I run a wet/dry w/o a canister filter? I've read many people use both together. I don't want to utilize the entire stand area for the filter though, can I get away w/ using maybe half of the stand for the filtration or is that not enough?

Thanks
Dave
 
Half should do it but you'll probably want to use a rubbermaid container for your sump.
 
Lots of options...
You can make a sump with a tote like rufe suggested, or you can go with a ready-made wet/dry which has the filter chambers and weirs already built, with a return pump. You don't have to employ a canister with a wet/dry though some do. Most will accommodate your heater. I always suggest drilling an anti-syphon in the return line so it won't flood your floor if the pump stops.

Mark
 
A 40 breeder is a good start. A hole saw and plastic shelves gives you a cheap but very effective wet\dry. Petco if you're in the states frequently has a dollar per gallon sale on small tanks.

Sent from my LG-E980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I would rather use a tank for the wet dry and I'd rather buy a pre-made setup if possible as I'm at the bottom of the learning curve with these currently. Could you point me in a good direction of some nice wet/dry filters? I'll also research anti-siphon info but wouldn't a high flow check valve or two reduce the risk of any overflow due to pump failure?

Dave
 
You could use a check valve in the return line. I don't suggest them, however, because you can get a grain of sand or other debris in the check valve. If fouled, it doesn't work. Also, check valves cause a restriction in return flow, causing your return pump to work harder than it would without the check.

Mark
 
If it also turns you toward DIY, it's almost time for another dollar a gallon sale at Petco, so you could use a 40 breeder as the basis of your filter too.
 
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