Internal Sump Filters?

[kakamac]

G'day All,

I have scaled down my tanks as I have sold the majority of L numbers with a few left to sell and have decided to keep just one tank of Geo's as a display tank in the lounge room. The tank will measure 4 x 2 x 2.

My question is in regards to filtration as I have spoken to a number of people with various opinions on what to use. Up until now I have used internal otto filters but like the idea of sumps and canister filters. So far people have suggested using a Fluval FX5 and an internal filter, sump filter and internal filter or an eheim 2217 and an internal filter.

One very experienced fish breeder who has set up numerous displays over 30 years in display centres, government labs etc has suggested having an internal sump which he uses with great success. The idea will be that for the full length of my tank, at the back there will be an internal sump filter 6 to 8 inches wide and an internal filter or powerhead in the tank for flow.

Has anyone got any advice on setting an internal sump up and what are the pros and cons of having an internal sump? Would you reccomend it? Are there any plans on the internet for an internal sump? I look forward to everyones replies and thanks for taking the time to read my post.

Regards,
Kak

 

[matubula]

At first I had no idea what you meant by an internal sump, but its like the kind of filter you find a some 'plug and play' marine tanks isnt it. A portion of the tank (at the back) is partitioned off to make a large internal filter.

I imagine the pro's would be that its a large volume filter, many media types would be suitable, all equipment is hidden, maintenance should be easy enough.

Negatives being that it reduces the amount of tank space for fish, could look unsightly, the background colour of the tank would be permanent (blue or black usually).

To me, an actual sump has all these benefits (+ more) and none of the negatives bar having a weir/overflow/intake pipe in the tank. And being that that this will be your only tank and a display tank, I wouldnt compromise it aesthetically. I would go for a sump or externals.

 

[macvsog23]

I use this method.

I section a area off and use a external filter to take the water from the tank as usual and return a small amount of the water to the bottom of the section area. This then flows out of the "Sump" in to the tank.

I fill the "sump" area with gravel to around 3" and the rest with Grog Glass.

I place a heater in this sump with a air stone under it.

So the grog glass gets air and heat both a good bacterial growth area.

I use a spray bar to return the remaining water to the tank.

This system works for me I lose a small space of the tank area.The water gets filtered by the external filter and the "sump"

Regards Bob

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
I've never used these on a large tank, but I've used the same idea (as a "Hamburg matten filter") with large filter sponge, and it works really well.

They use them in Germany, so as Macvsog23 will tell you, they must be good.
<http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/>.

cheers Darrel

 

[kakamac]

Thanks for the replies so far. They've helped a lot and answered my questions. I'm weighing up my options and will see how I go. I'll try to get some shots once I set it up although with work being the way it is it could take some time.

Regards,
Kak

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
This is "Swiss Tropicals - Stephan Tanner" HMF set up (in the USA).
<http://www.swisstropicals.com/Hamburg%20Mattenfilter%20Kits.html> & <http://www.swisstropicals.com/Swisstropicals%20Fishroom.html>
also used by another American fish/frog breeder <http://brianstropicals.com/basement.html> a friend/colleague of Stephan's.

There is also some bits on the web site from when they went to stay with Ingo Siedel in Germany.

Stephan and Tony are both scientists at US universities for their "day jobs".

cheers Darrel