There is a possiblity that I can buy a 155gal bow front and stand for a great price. It comes with 2 magnum 350 canister filters. Any comments about this system with an added sump/refugium instead of the RR 120 gal I was getting ready to buy. Right now I'm running a 55 gal with a Aqua-clear HB. I could really use some pro's and con's. Thanks
Good Deal vs Dream
- Thread starter dqualls
- Start date
cutsupremetrib
In Memoriam
i would go with the 120 im not much on bowfronts the views get messed up and cleaning it is hard
mattvisocky2003
New member
Well, what exactly do you want this tank to be? Fish only, FOWLR, reef, clam etc... Those canisters aren't always a good choice. However, if you are running a freshwater planted tank they're great! I like curved tanks look, but you'll still need to make that tank RR if you want a reef tank. What all does the 120 come with?
mattvisocky2003
New member
What's the price difference between the two tanks? Are they both glass? Bowfronts are very, very attractive when aquascaped well.
I'm not sure of the price on the bow front yet but it could be to good to pass up. I have been reading up on canister filters and I'm a little concerned about the build up of nitrates. Is that a problem? If I can't use the canisters I don't want the tank because an overflow to a sump is to risky.
mattvisocky2003
New member
Well, two concerns with canisters. First being nitrates like you said and also lack of oxygenation. You will need to aim a powerhead or something at the water's surface to keep it oxygenated, as you will not have any surface skimming i.e. an overflow. How were you going to filter the 120 RR? Won't it still use a sump? You can also control the nitrates with water changes, nitrate reducing devices, and plants.
mattvisocky2003
New member
The problem I see is the inputs for the canisters getting clogged with algae, food ,etc... Thereby losing gph flow and filtering capacity. The good thing is if they clog there will be no mess on the ground as they are enclosed and you can easily add carbon, purigen, phosguard etc... inside the filter. I would highly recommend a sump as I have used both, but canisters are manageable.
mattvisocky2003
New member
Sure, but what for? You can filter the water easily with the sump and you still have the overflow that you didn't want. Unless you mean run one intake from the first canister in the display and empty it in the sump then use the second canister to run from sump to display. If this is the case DO NOT DO IT as you cannot keep flow rates between the two equal.
ste6168
New member
alright, i would probably go for the bowfront, but i would def get two holes drilled in it (at least). This would allow you to run a sump. I would put a skimmer and refugium in the sump and keep one of the canisters to run carbon and mechanical filtration. This is all JMO, but i think it would work the best.
mattvisocky2003
New member
NO, but you can make overflows in the back.
MattToTheMax
New member
running the cannisters instead of a sump, you would have to have a hang on the tank skimmer and put the heater in the tank. with the sump you put everything below the tank. i like the sump better. just my opinion though.
needyreefer
Active member
Not risky at all...many people have their tanks drilled on the side. My advice would be to get the bowfront (as long as it's a good deal), run the canisters just for carbon and water flow, and get the tank drilled at a local glass shop. Then you'll have everything you wanted with the 120, but you have the cool bowfront design to go with it
mattvisocky2003
New member
I second that advice
