filtration thoughts/recommendations for 50 & 75gal

C

Chad

New Member
Hi all,
I am in the planning stages with a couple tanks and was hoping to get some advice on filtration
I have a 75gal with a green phantom plec and I have a pair of red spotted severum on order. In addition to this I plan on adding a school of cords and a school of maybe Odessa barbs. For this tank I have a eheim canister 2260.
I am planning on buying a 50gal tank soon for smaller fish. This tank will have a school of dwarf neon rainbow fish and a smaller species of plecos. Not sure what else. Need to do some more research but I would like to have a pair of kribensis in one of these systems. For filtration on this system I have a Tunze riverpack 605.
What I keep debating on is whether I would be better off building a sump for the 75 and using either the eheim or Tunze on the 50? I know a sump is better for a larger system but not sure if I would notice a lot of difference on this size system? Just not sure if it is worth the expense of building the sump?
Any input is appreciated

Chad
 
C

Chad

New Member
Anyone use pool filter sand as a substrate? any cons to using it? Looks much cheaper than standard aquarium sand substrate. Is there a specific brand or type to use?
 
Betty

Betty

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I use pool filter sand in almost all of my tanks. The only real con I can think of is the possibility of sand getting into some types of filters -- hobs mostly. (I have fish that dig and carry and spit sand.) I don't do many live plants, but I don't think it would be a good substrate for that.

I use Target brand pool filter sand that I've purchased at McClendon's or at spa/hot tub places.
 
K

krislhull

Member
I have a 30g that I use pool filter sand in, and it works great, and I also just set up a 210g tank using the sand. It's not bad and seems to work pretty good. I got mine from Ace Hardware.
 
C

Chad

New Member
I'm not familiar with it but I am guessing corys would like it? What color is it?
Thanks
Chad
 
Betty

Betty

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I'd call it tan.

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Bob

Bob

Well-Known Member
There has been some documentation that the ace hardware pool sand can cut bottom feeders. I have tried it myself without issue. I switched to lapis luster sand. Comes is different sizes, you can get it from http://unitedwesternsupply.net. It runs about $20 for 100lbs.

As for filtration. You can't go wrong with a sump. Better filtration, easier to maintain, can handle bigger bio loads.
 
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