Freshwater Sump

[billdogg]

I'm not sure why you wouldn't use a sump for a freshwater tank, especially if it is a larger system. Many of the same reasons we use them for marine systems carry over directly - heaters/pumps/filtration out of sight, increased water volume for greater stability, ease of water changes, stable water level in DT, etc. I've only kept one freshwater system since I started keeping marine tanks some 30 years ago, and I didn't even consider NOT having a sump.

Besides - what else do you have planned for all that space underneath???

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I would do a wet dry type with replaceable fliter pads or filter socks. Have the drain go into a chamber for the mechanical filteration then a large bio filter area, bio balls would work well then a heater and return pump chamber. All you need for fresh water.

 

[ctripi]

I️ have a 40g breeder under my 120 freshwater display. Bio/mech filtration is handled by the three tray DIY system mentioned in post #4
Works well but suspended sediment was an issues with
Higher flow thru rates. Just a heads up

 

[WVfishguy]

I'm not sure why you wouldn't use a sump for a freshwater tank, especially if it is a larger system. Many of the same reasons we use them for marine systems carry over directly - heaters/pumps/filtration out of sight, increased water volume for greater stability, ease of water changes, stable water level in DT, etc. I've only kept one freshwater system since I started keeping marine tanks some 30 years ago, and I didn't even consider NOT having a sump.

Besides - what else do you have planned for all that space underneath???

This is a good indicator of the difference between fresh and salt water aquarists. The majority of the freshwater tanks I've kept have two or more aquaria in the same stand. Even with my decreased number of tanks I currently run, I still have:
1) Two 125-gal. tanks, on one stand, one with Africans and one which will hold fancy goldfish;
2) Two 75-gal. tanks, on one stand, Africans and albino bristlenose plecos
3) A 75-gal planted tank and a 40-gal. long on one stand, for breeding livebearers and plecos;
4) A battery of four 38-gal. tanks on one stand for growing out fry, breeding angelfish, etc.
5) Two 38-gal tanks on one stand for the breeding of (freshwater) angelfish.

Sumps are completely unnecessary for freshwater. Sumps did not even exist until reef tanks made them necessary.

 

[fishguy306]

Sumps are completely unnecessary for freshwater. Sumps did not even exist until reef tanks made them necessary.

Completely disagree. Maybe for smaller community fish, but sumps are not unnecessary for all FW fish. I could stick a dozen HOB filters on the tanks with my big FW predators and they still wouldn't do the job. Small fish, sure, I'll agree with you, but something that is a big and messy eater needs more than a HOB or even a canister can provide.

 

[WVfishguy]

Completely disagree. Maybe for smaller community fish, but sumps are not unnecessary for all FW fish. I could stick a dozen HOB filters on the tanks with my big FW predators and they still wouldn't do the job. Small fish, sure, I'll agree with you, but something that is a big and messy eater needs more than a HOB or even a canister can provide.

What kind of predators are you keeping?

I had a 300 gallon Central American tank with Black belt cichlids, etc. I was running a homemade "cannister" made from a water conditioning unit. Now that I think of it, it was actually a type of sump. I didn't think of it that way, but I guess it was.

About 35-40 gallon cylinder with a reverse flow filter and filled with lava rock. A giant canister filter, if you will. But not enclosed. So, a sump. :lol:

 

[fishguy306]

Lol! Yeah sounds a bit sump like!

I personally focus on fw stingrays, but also keep dats and peacock bass. In the past there have been arowanas as well.

 

[WVfishguy]

Lol! Yeah sounds a bit sump like!

I personally focus on fw stingrays, but also keep dats and peacock bass. In the past there have been arowanas as well.

What is a dat? A Datnoid?

You weren't kidding about predators. One of my clients used to vacation in Central America just to fish for peacocks.

I've never kept arowanas or stingrays. The guy who got me involved in this stupid hobby 50 years ago got bitten pretty good way back then by an arowana - first time I saw toothmarks on an aquarist.

And get this: The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga had to remove their arowanas from the outdoor exhibit - seems people were hanging over the railing to get a better look and were getting nailed in the face by monkeyfish! :lmao:

 

[fishguy306]

Yes, sorry, Datnoids.

I love peacock bass, such cool fish when bigger, but the really do become monsters. Really all of my list does I guess.

Too funny about the aquarium having to more their arowanas! I hadn't heard that story before, but with as well as they jump I believe it. Pretty impressive to see them leap for food.

 

[WVfishguy]

Yes, sorry, Datnoids.
Too funny about the aquarium having to more their arowanas! I hadn't heard that story before, but with as well as they jump I believe it. Pretty impressive to see them leap for food.

Not a story! - I was told that by aquarium employees when I complained about not seeing the arowanas. To beat all, I, myself, used to lean over and gawk at them - one time I told my wife, "I'd better be careful - these things might jump up here and bite my nose." Damned if it didn't happen to someone else! :rollface: