noobie with a 125g or 220g without a sump...is this possible?

[jjj1100]

Ok, I have been doing a lot of research on marine aquariums, and this is my first post here after reading through hundreds of articles and a few books. Amzaing site so far!!!

So my question is, I currently have a 125g freshwater tank, that i was thinking about converting to a FOWLR, or starting a 220g brand new tank. The tank will have 1.5 lbs per gallon of live rock, and about 3 inches of sand for bio filtration. The only problem I am going to encounter is that the wife will not allow a sump due to the horror stories she heard from people when they loose power. (but since she is being nice enough to let me keep large tanks I really wont argue - for right now!!!)

My question is this, is there any way to have a tank this large without a sump? If I use a good protien skimmer, and maybe 2 Tunze's pumps (model 6080) inside the tank pointing at each other from opposite ends (about 2250 GPH each or 4500 GPH total so that would give me 20X turnover even on the 220gallon, and about 40X on the 125 gallon tank). I thought about putting the Tunze's in the bottom of the tank, one in each of the back corners to really get the current going, and then I have left over from my Fresh water tank an Eheim 2028 canister filter, and 2 emporer 400's that would provide about another 1000 gph for additional circualtion on the top of the tank.

I have no set plans for tank stocking as of yet, other than an eel of some kind, so I can't say what kind of bioload i will have from the fish waste. My main concern is setting up a tank this size properly without endagering any fish...or my wallet, and want to make sure a tank this size is even workable without a sump!!!!

Thank you for your repsones...even if you tell me I am crazy!

 

[Tate]

I guess it's possible if you hang two or three Remoras on the back.

 

[slowECUdiver]

yes, you can run a 125 or a 220 gallon tank without a sump if you have a good skimmer. a sump would be better, as it would give you more options for the skimmer (larger ones that do not hang on the tank). i would suggest you check the large tank forums for some setup ideas and additional advice.

just my $0.02
-eric

 

[sunfishh]

Not having a sump is old school, but can be successful. Here is a testimonial http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=284686&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[WantaBeReefer]

You can do it! I have a BB 125 with no sump. I have about 120lbs of live rock, a fluval 404 (carbon only), 2 seio 2500's, an aqua c remora pro (underatted for this tank) and a bio wheel 400. My stock consist of a 6" niger trigger, a 2.5" maroon clown, a pair of false perc's, a royal gramma, a pink damsel, 2 4 stripe damsels and a blue/yellow damsel. I have run this tank for 1.5 yrs like this witout any issues.

 

[jjj1100]

Thanks for your replies...I am glad to hear that this is something that I can do without any major problems. I guess i will just have to make sure the water is being circulated at a high GPH from the Tunze pumps, and make sure there is enough live rock, and I don't over stock!

 

[drunktank]

jjj - you can run ur tank without a sump, but chances are you going to have to buy a larger skimmer and a few hang on things. But heres your solution

Your wife is correcet- there are cases where you loose power and the sump can overflow, but there are afew things you can do to ensure it wont happen.

#1- add a check vaulve to ur pump so water doesnt suction back into sump (pretty much solve the major problem , u can get them anywhere on the net_

#2- Use baffles in the sump to keep the water a few gallons before the top so when power goes out remaining water flow drains properly

#3- Place ur sump into a tubberwear or heavy duty plastic container u'd find at walmart or target (real cheap) that way if it does over flow it will be held inside another container.

If these three things are done, you pretty much have a 95-99% chance that there will be no flood (IMO)

and ur tank will benefit greatly with a sump.

 

[AllenFord_SC]

and [welcome]