180 Gallon Mbuna Tank Journal

Go for it, Kevin! I'm sure that tank will look great!
Just one advice: IMHO, I would add the bottom dwellers a few days before adding the more boisterous mbunas; to give them a chance to adapt better in a new environment.
 
Update!

I went to the lfs hoping to ask for more details on a 180G and then I saw the incredible 220 reef show tank.

Now all my plans have to change.

The extra 6 inch on the tank will make a huge difference when I am trying to reach down to the bottom of the tank. But I figured I won't be down there too often..and the foot print is the same as a 180G, the tank looks alot more impressive with the extra 6 inches. I talked to the store owner, and he really thinks a sump is the way to go on a tank this sized. He showed me the one he had set up, built in overflows, custom sump, etc.

So, now I'm planning to get a 220G tank and converting my 55G into a sump. I never thought about sumps because I thought it was risky, but I'll give it a try.

Do you think 1 sump + 1 2217 is sufficient? What about 1 sump + 1 FX5? Or all 3?

Since the tank is larger + the extra volume in the sump, I'm changing the stocking plan again, suggestions welcomed!
 
You can install check valves if you're worried about the overflow backing up or power outtages. You might burn up a pump but you wouldn't have to worry about coming home to your floor covered in water.
I should think the sump itself would be sufficient at 55 gallons. That's a lot of media you can fit in there. Personally, I would run the secondary filter also though. Since my overflow box is at the top of my tank, I run a secondary filter with the intake near the substrate to try to catch as much debris as possible.
With the sump, you should be able to hide all of your filters, heaters, etc.
 
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I will most likely get a check valve. How do you do water changes? Do you turn off the pump? What if the water gets below the overflow level? No water will be going in the sump and all the water in the sump will get pumped back into the main tank. I really don't know how this sump thing work lol. Has there ever been a leak in the pipes for you?

I plan on running a secondary filter, a FX5 to be exact. I don't want to run the 2217 on it because 1. it is not needed 2. consumes extra wattage for no reason. I want to get a FX5 though, simply because it makes water changing much easier. I already have a 2217 lying around though..

Thanks for the response!
 
When you unplug the pump the water will drain to the level of the over-flow. This should be no problem as long as you always make sure there's enough room in the sump to handle the extra water. I'd probably fill the 55 half way, so that gives you 27 1/2 gallons you could drain. I seriously doubt you'll have that much water though.

On the other hand, you need to make sure your return line is not too far into the tank. When the pump stops, a siphon is created in the line, drawing tank water into the sump. Make sure your return line is about the same level as the overflow.
If there is a blockage in the overflow, the pump will still continue to pump water into the tank. With your water level at the proper height, you're talking about 25 gallons or so of water on the floor. This is the biggest concern of mine. I'm not sure how to address aside from inspecting your sump and overflow regularly.
 
AfroCichlid said:
When you unplug the pump the water will drain to the level of the over-flow. This should be no problem as long as you always make sure there's enough room in the sump to handle the extra water. I'd probably fill the 55 half way, so that gives you 27 1/2 gallons you could drain. I seriously doubt you'll have that much water though.

On the other hand, you need to make sure your return line is not too far into the tank. When the pump stops, a siphon is created in the line, drawing tank water into the sump. Make sure your return line is about the same level as the overflow.
If there is a blockage in the overflow, the pump will still continue to pump water into the tank. With your water level at the proper height, you're talking about 25 gallons or so of water on the floor. This is the biggest concern of mine. I'm not sure how to address aside from inspecting your sump and overflow regularly.
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thanks for the tips, (if you have a link for more sump information, it'll help alot!) As for the blockage, it shouldn't happen right? Its not likely that a overflow is 100% blocked.

I have saw some over flow boxes with 3 sets of holes, one on the top, one in the middle and one set near the bottom. Will my tank drain 100% if I use those?
 
I'm not familiar with what you're talking about, to be honest. I would be sure that the overflow is located near the top of the tank. Power outtages happen, and the last thing you want is 220 gallons of water on your floor. Keeping the overflow clean is no major problem, just inspect it and make sure you do routine maintenance weekly and should be no worries. If you go with a lower overflow or return line, do add check valves. Personally though, I've found that the combo of an overflow at the surface and a HOB with the intake near the bottom keeps a tank pretty dang clean. Figure on vacuuming debris with your weekly water change and I think you'll be happy with the results. I've been able to maintain 0 nitrates for the past year with the sump. I recently upgraded to a 75 from a 55 and simply switched my filtration over. No mini-cycle or anything. I definitely like the sumps.
 
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