what do i need for this tank

**tristan_g** · 05-04-2010, 04:06 AM

my neighbor gave me a 90 gal tank that has a thing in the corner i've seen tanks at lfs with it but ive never looked in to them, can i just remove and patch the hole in the bottom with a piece of glass and silicone? or is it worth the time and effort to get what i need for it, or should i patch it? what is it and what do i need for it its a square column in the corner of the tank it looks like a form of filtration

**souly** · 05-04-2010, 04:11 AM

Originally Posted by tristan_g

my neighbor gave me a 90 gal tank that has a thing in the corner i've seen tanks at lfs with it but ive never looked in to them, can i just remove and patch the hole in the bottom with a piece of glass and silicone? or is it worth the time and effort to get what i need for it, or should i patch it? what is it and what do i need for it its a square column in the corner of the tank it looks like a form of filtration

Its most likely on Overflow section of the tank used for vairous forms of filtration in the tank. Manily used with Saltwater to run down to whats called a SUMP. I would keep that section in, and just make sure you're water level doesn't go high enough to drip into the overflow box. If you could show a picture that would help as well so we can see what type of overflow you have.

**Dacotah7** · 05-04-2010, 06:16 AM

It does sound like a sump overflow. Why don't you ask your neighbor who gave you the tank?

If it was setup for a sump, maybe you can get that with the tank also and use it. If your neighbor does have it and does not want to part with it, you can build your own. You could have one mega-filter if you wanted.

**tristan_g** · 05-04-2010, 11:01 AM

how much does it run to get the sump and the other stuff for the filter, my neighbor doesn't have the sump her mom got it and thought her daughter would want it and when she didn't she said to call me, it was a free tank, "anything free is worth saving up for"

**rich311k** · 05-04-2010, 12:18 PM

I would do some readings on sumps. You would need a sump, various hoses, return pump etc. It would give you plenty of filtration and a place to hide all of the equipment.

You could just plug the hole either silicone a piece of glass over it or with a plastic/rubber stopper.

For the tank you would need adequate size filter and heater. You would also need a top and lights.

**tristan_g** · 05-05-2010, 11:36 AM

i geuss what i'm asking is whats cheaper the sump or a nice canister filter

**Scrup** · 05-05-2010, 03:03 PM

A sump is cheaper by far if you make it yourself.

**tanks4thememories** · 05-05-2010, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by tristan_g

i geuss what i'm asking is whats cheaper the sump or a nice canister filter

A sump for that size tank can be quite expensive, even if you make your own. I would suggest that you decide on what type of fish you want first. Then that information will help you decide on what type of filtration you want to go with.

The hole is often referred to as a bulk head. They make special fittings to close it off if you decide not to use it. Don't try anything "Home made" buy the right fitting to close it off because you don't want to come home one day to find 90 gallons of water in your living room. Now here is a big consideration, if you decide to go sump it is best to do it at the beginning as if you do it later you will have to completely drain the tank (Depending on where the "Bulk head" is ).

I would suggest if you decide not to use the sump that you use a valve fitting to close it off then if you later decide to go with a sump you wont have to drain the tank.

So once again That is a beautiful tank and the size of it gives you many options on the types of fish you can keep. I say its best to take your time research what fish you want to keep and then it will help you decide on the types of filtration you want to consider.

Good luck and let us know any further questions you have

**Scrup** · 05-05-2010, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by tanks4thememories

A sump for that size tank can be quite expensive, even if you make your own.

Still cheaper than a canister filter though....

EcpPlus 633 Water Pump $32.25 Each

Sterilite 30-Gallon Storage Bin @$10

sterilite drawers- @$10

filter floss- $10 will last you a few years

non glazed cheapo terra cotta pots for bio filter- $0.30ish each. (lets say 15 of them crushed up) $5

Plumbing supplies- $10 (and thats probably an overstatement

Sump cost-
$77 (and you can always shave off more money if you are really looking to save...)

Cheapest canister filter for that sized tank on F&S

Eheim Classic Canister 2215-37-
$129.99 + $9 shipping.

Not to mention the difference in media options. (sumps win by far on that as well...)

-HOWEVER-

Building a sump is not for everyone, and does require a little bit of thought and planning, it can have unforseen problems, and if not designed right, can be a PITA to maintain. They can be noisier than a canister (again depends on how it was designed) and if you plan on a co2 system, forget about it. The two are incompatible.

If you want easy effectiveness with a moderately large price tag, go with a canister. If you want a customizable DIY filter that is cheap (and fun) to build and maintain but requires a little bit of work, go with a DIY sump. If you want a mix of both, go with a pre-made sump (tidepools are touted as being pretty good)

Just my take on it, I am sure someone will pop in and disagree.

And, ask questions!

**tanks4thememories** · 05-05-2010, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Scrup

Still cheaper than a canister filter though....

EcpPlus 633 Water Pump $32.25 Each

Sterilite 30-Gallon Storage Bin @$10

sterilite drawers- @$10

filter floss- $10 will last you a few years

non glazed cheapo terra cotta pots for bio filter- $0.30ish each. (lets say 15 of them crushed up) $5

Plumbing supplies- $10 (and thats probably an overstatement

Sump cost-
$77 (and you can always shave off more money if you are really looking to save...)

Cheapest canister filter for that sized tank on F&S

Eheim Classic Canister 2215-37-
$129.99 + $9 shipping.

Not to mention the difference in media options. (sumps win by far on that as well...)

-HOWEVER-

Building a sump is not for everyone, and does require a little bit of thought and planning, it can have unforseen problems, and if not designed right, can be a PITA to maintain. They can be noisier than a canister (again depends on how it was designed) and if you plan on a co2 system, forget about it. The two are incompatible.

If you want easy effectiveness with a moderately large price tag, go with a canister. If you want a customizable DIY filter that is cheap (and fun) to build and maintain but requires a little bit of work, go with a DIY sump. If you want a mix of both, go with a pre-made sump (tidepools are touted as being pretty good)

Just my take on it, I am sure someone will pop in and disagree.

And, ask questions!

Yeah I agree that is a good price chart. And that would make a pretty decent DIY sump, however there are a few features that DIY won't do that a commercial one costing about 300.00 will. Also foot print can be an issue.
I was really thinking comparing commercial to commercial and in that scenario you can buy a fx5 new on e-bay for 199.00. That is all I was saying.