Is a sump a bad idea in a planted tank?

[Stealthsasquatc]

I have a 29g planted tank newly setup. I just added a DIY CO2 reactor today. I currently have a HOT type filter that came with my tank "kit". I was thinking of making a DIY sump and using a canister filter such as a magnum 350 to be my return pump from the sump.

From what I've read on these forums about CO2 escaping from increased surface agitation etc, would a sump just be a bad idea entirely because of the water flow over the bio media?

Should I just forget about the sump and just add the canister filter, also what canister filters would you recommend?

 

[jarmenta]

If by sump you mean wet/dry filters (trickle) then it may not be that bad of an idea. Here's an article I was referred to:

Concerned about CO2 loss in a trickle filter?

Apparently, much of the CO2 bleed off comes from the overflow part of the filter. The trickling over the bio media isn't a problem if the area is covered or contained. However, I just got finished setting up my 100 gallon planted and I never got my CO2 above 9-10 ppm. I have a ProClear 175 wet/dry and the bio media area is covered, but by no means "airtight." I put some coarse filter media in my overflow to stop the "splash" effect from the water cascading down and lowered the overflow in the tank. This helped reduce the water agitation in the overflow. I also added an aquasilencer (Stockman) to the standpipe part of the overflow to reduce all the gurgling and splashing of the drain. This actually got my CO2 from 7 ppm to 10 ppm.

Unfortunately, I never found or developed a means to seal or cover the overflow or make the bio media area airtight. I think this is why I could not attain higher CO2 levels but I may be wrong. I run a pressurized CO2 system. I increased my bubble rate from 2 per sec to roughly 4-5 per sec with no increase in CO2 levels. I'm new to all of this but I assume that meant the agitation somewhere just wouldn't allow my tank to hold more CO2. Higher bubble rates might have yielded me a higher CO2 level but I was quick to surrender.

I currently run two canisters, an Eheim 2217 and a Magnum 350 Pro (no bio-wheel) and now I easily attained a CO2 level of 24 ppm. The ProClear is sitting on the sidelines for now. When I get some time to make something to seal the overflow I'll consider trying out the wet/dry again. It made for a nice place to put my CO2 reactor, grounding probe and CO2 controller probe. Luckily I have in-line heaters so I don't have to hide those. Currently I have no fish as I haven't squared away all my water parameters and dosing regiments. So I'm not worried about underfilteration. I think I may be able to house a small stock with the current filtration. If not I'll have to trade of sell the ProClear.

I'd say right off the bat go canister. Although, I wouldn't discourage you from trying a sump as I've read some articles and posts that say it's possible. I can only relate to my experience, which isn't much. I hope this helps. It's been two weeks and my plants are really starting to take off.

Jesse

 

[Stealthsasquatc]

Thanks, wet/dry is what I was referring to. Thanks for the great response.

I guess I'll go with a canister only for now, any suggestions on what would be the best for my 29g planted?

 

[jarmenta]

I'd try a search here on the forums. I'm not familiar with all the canister filters on the market but some forum members have shared their experiences. Eheim seems to be a favorite for it's durability and low sound emission. They have a couple different lines, all relatively pricey if you ask me. Rena XP series also seems to be a favorite as do the Fluvals. They're cheaper than the Eheims but a little louder.

29 Gallon Filtration

best filter for planted tank

If I had to compare my two I'd stick with the Eheim. It's much quieter and less prone to getting air stuck in the chamber. The bio media chamber for the Magnum 350 Pro is supposed to be the bio wheels, but I put eheim substrat pro where the activated carbon should be. I don't use my bio-wheels as I didn't want any surface agitation. With that said, in my case the Eheim holds more bio media. However, the Magnum gets about 100 gph more than the Eheim which is nice for circulation. So far my tank has stayed relatively clear (no fish) and I have done 50% water changes at the end of both weeks.

 

[gagaliya]

Thanks, wet/dry is what I was referring to. Thanks for the great response.

I guess I'll go with a canister only for now, any suggestions on what would be the best for my 29g planted?

if you got the $$, eheim pro2 is the best hands down. You can lower the flowrate by adjusting a switch, so when you get a bigger tank later can still use the filter (it's rated for ~90 gallon, but sufficient for 75 gallon at full power)