canister or sump?

phiberXoptic

phiberXoptic

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Oct 19, 2004
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I just got a new tank (75g long). And I'm hoping to turn it into a cichlid tank. Maybe live plants also. I heard sump's aren't good for live plants, due to their CO2 depletion ability, so should I not use a sump if I go live plants? or is that just a mis-consception? If I was to go canister I was thinking about a fluval 404. Can you attach a bio-wheel to a fluval 404, like these Bio-wheels ? If so how, or is it pretty self explanitory when I get them? also, if I was to go with the fluval 404, which goes up to 100 gallons with the bio-wheels would that be adequate filtration or would I need to add like a power filter or something? Sorry so many questions, I just need help from experienced people rather than someone who's trying to sell me something. Thanks for the help in advance
 
If your looking at going into any types of cichlids, i'd definitely go for the sump. Cost wise it'll be about the same price to buy a nice return pump (I use a Mag 9) as it would be to buy a 404.

You also get the added benefit of having more GPH on the sump than you ever will on the Fluval. The higher turnover in your tank the better. 5 to 10 times your tank size is sufficient. But if you have the ability, why not use both? You cant really overkill filtration.

Edit: Also, with a sump you'll get more volume in your tank with the added tank as your sump.

Jake.
 
But what about the CO2? Also, what extra stuff do I have to buy if I was to buy something like This...Sorry if this was bit of a newbie question, but I have never used or seen a sump in use, neither have I found a post or a site that says what extra stuff you need. Thanks for the help in advance
 
Go for something like Eheim 2026. Simple, silent, effective, versatile and bullet proof (unlike Fluval 404). More than enough for a reasonable bioload.

Of course, if you're going to keep, let's say, oscars, you may want to add a nice mechanical filter. But since you've mentioned plants, I think oscars are not in your plans. However, a separate mechanical filtration, although not an absolute necessity, is a good idea anyway.
 
It has been explanied to me that Cichlids are rathe harsh on living plants, so maybe CO2 is a non-issue after all.
 
When building my sumps I first go to the local fish store for ideas. Then to the local home improvement store for 1/3 the price. You can always look for old equipment from forums such as these...
 
We have 2 canisters running now. I like the "closed" filtration system. This provides the least amount of CO2 loss also.
 
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