Big tanks, big filter. DIY?

**jackson17** · 04-24-2011, 06:56 PM

So, grandparents have 3 big tanks that they don't use/need/want anymore, so I will be getting them. One is anywhere from 6-8 feet long(most likely a 125 or 150 gallon tank). The other is a standard 75 and the other looks to be a breeder tank. I'd place it around 80 gallons. I don't have the exact measurements as of right now so of course, can't do the calculations.

Anyway, what I was thinking of doing for the big tank was a DIY filter to sump to filter system. Total overkill of filtration, but would give me maximum filtration, a load of extra bio and some extra water volume. Here is what I was thinking:

Now, do you guys think this is possibly? The only concerns I have would getting the flow between both filters in the sump correct. I know both filters would have to be the same to have the same flow rates and capacity. However, think it is good? Bad? Any input is welcome.

Edit: I'd drill holes in the barrier so that the water keeps flowing through. Only thing I'm ''nervous'' with is it overflowing due to not enough flow between the filters. Anyway to safeguard this?

**Brhino** · 04-24-2011, 07:06 PM

so filter 1 and 2 are canister filters? That's not going to work. Even the same model filters won't have identical flow rates. Even a very minor difference between the two of them will soon enough result in the sump either overflowing or running dry. For one, filter one is going to have a higher flow rate since it's pumping downhill, and filter two is going to have a lower rate since it's going uphill.

You can certainly make a sump system similar to what you're planning, but just use a single pump and an overflow, not two pumps.

**jackson17** · 04-24-2011, 07:09 PM

Forgot to take gravity into account lol. I've seen the overflows but don't really ''understand'' them. I don't get how they really filter the water since they skim on the top. Maybe since I have never seen one in action? I just feel as if the bottom of the tank wouldn't be as filtered compared to the top. Or do they work that well?

**Aeonflame** · 04-24-2011, 07:33 PM

You could just drill the tank and install an internal overflow box with a 90 degree baffle on the outside to make the water flow pass through the bottom.

Like this

**flydustydawg** · 04-24-2011, 08:06 PM

Here is a thread that I posted a wile back this may be helpful if you are thinking about building your own sump.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=73138

**jackson17** · 04-24-2011, 10:03 PM

I'm nervous to the bottom of a tank like that video, the bottom takes all the weight. The sides are one thing, the bottom, esh, I'd be nervous.

That thread gave me some good information. I think I'm going to get one of those external overflow things and then just go to the hardware store and buy a pump. Use that for the top then also use a canister filter for the bottom of the water column.