Weighing my options

[MandyK]

Sooooo as some of you know I've recently aquired a 125g that I plan on using for Discus.

I was looking through algae scrubbers when it hit me... shouldn't I just do a sump?? I have a free 10g that I could use for this.

Would that be doable? Would that size accomadate my tank? Would it be cheaper? Would it do the job of a canister filter?? And would it decrease the amount of equipment that I would have in the display?

I also have a 55g that I could use for this, I'm just very scared about the weight issue. I've already got 1000 pounds or so in my living room. Do I want to add to that??

[Sandz]

I would use the 55 gal and do a simple sump if you have the free tanks. I think you will be fine weight wise. I know that is what i was debating for my discus tank. I ended up going with constant water changes and sponge filter.

[Lady10Godiva]

If you went with the 55 you would have plenty of room for your heaters in there, then they wouldnt need to be in the tank. You would need additional equipment to do it (overflow box, piping, return pump). I dont know if it would really be cheaper than getting a canister. Also I dont know if it would fit in yout stand (I mean I think it would fit, but it might be hard to get it in there depending on how big the doors are).

[MandyK]

Well, if it wouldn't be cheaper I'd rather just get a canister. Does anyone have any experience with siphon powered algae scrubbers?

[Cliff]

Based on my experience and research, algae scrubbers work best when you have very high flow rates and very bright/ high levels of lighting. Using a siphon based drain to supply a algae scrubber would most likely give you lower flow and potentially limit the effectiveness of the algae growth. The below link explains it a little better than I can

http://algaescrubber.net/forums/show...cs-The-Summary

In tank up-low scrubbers can also be a option, but from what I have read, they are not as effective as compared to the traditional algae scrubber designs.

Edit:

Ops, almost for got to mention, the below links can help you with planning & building a sump should you choose to. If you have a larger tank, you could build a sump with a return pump big enough to also supply a very large algae scrubber all for around the same price as two big canister filters. The benefit of the sump IMO is the opportunity to have even more biological filter media and the option to build a scrubber if that is what you choose.

http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.co...umbing-basics/

http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.co...e-sump-basics/

Either way, you will still have a great set-up. It all comes down to which approach you would like better

[Rocksor]

For Discus, I would just keep it simple, and use sponge filters with an air pump along with the large daily water changes.

[MandyK]

Large, daily water changes are out. Not only do I know I will not stick to a schedule like that, but I simply can't afford it. . . Maybe I should do angels fish... Lol.