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RE: Large tanks & sumps
> krandall at world_std.com wrote:
> I know a lot of people like sump style filters for big tanks,
but I'm too
> > scared of 135G of water on the floor (or even 30G for that matter!)
> Since
> > I'm not overly concerned with filtration anyway, I'm going to stick
> with a
> > couple of canister filters. Then all the water is contained. The
> worst
> > problem you can have is letting them get clogged up!<g>
>
I've re-thought my opinion on sumps. I understand
that most sumps are "under" the tank in the
stand (tank is drilled, or use an overflow/siphon).
I have this on my 180g.
Advantages: 1. Sump is out of view (in the stand),
2. Smaller tank footprint
However, I don't think I'll ever do this with another
tank. I now think that sumps ought to be on
level with the tank, and should simply catch
an overflow (with a pump recirculating back to
the main tank).
Advantages: 1. No siphon to break
2. You can see your sump (I have lots
of fry usually, sometimes plants)
3. All pump power goes to water flow,
*not* overcomming gravity
I think the three "sump on level with tank"
advantages are very real.
Pilots have a saying: "Two kinds of pilots...
those that have landed without the landing gear
down, and those that will land without the landing
gear down." (It's a matter of "when".)
It's the same with aquatic gardening... I no
longer like drilled tanks even though many of
mine are, and it's imminent that you will get
a broken siphon with water everywhere (and
yes, I'm an idiot, I've lost 6" from my 180g
more than once. Well, actually, more than
twice. Well, actually... ;-).
I really like seeing my sumps, because in addition
to being settling chambers, I just treat them
like another tank: hospital, penal colony,
boarding school, species breeder, space for plants
that I just don't have room for, etc. ;-)
The last point I really like: While I don't
really do CO2 at present and understand increased
loss with surface agitation and other water
movement, I continue to find numerous benefits
with a good current in the tank. If I can get
the same flow rate by getting the sump off the
floor with an operationally cheaper pump, I should
do it.
On other note, I agree with Tom that open top tanks
are really nice. Like you say, though, I have very
high evaporation rates (I'll lose 1-2" a week, double
that with surface agitation).
--charley
charleyb at cytomation_com