How to Filter New Tank?

[redterror]

I recently obtained a Seaclear branded acrylic tank, 70x16x24. The top has 2 square openings in the center. what filter system will work with this tank? hang on edge will not work (there's no edge). the tank was never used, its basically a brand new show quality acrylic tank I got in a trade. I'm pretty happy with it, but have no idea how to filter it. never tried anything beyond power filters & canisters (they both hang on edge).
I really prefer not to drill this. see pic.

 

[redterror]

can't get pic to work.

 

[jetchris]

you need to drill it, you can use a regular hole saw to drill acrylic. Its pretty easy to setup a sump , just do the re-search. You dont want an overflow box and a bunch of hang on the back crap. <--- Yes it can be done but its not very effecient IMO.

 

[cameron]

Nothing wrong with an overflow IMO. It isn't as clean as drilling, but works well. You can pay someone to come out and drill if you are not comfortable.

 

[blind1993]

what about a canister filter?

 

[cameron]

This is a rather large tank for a canister and canisters are a pain in the butt since you have to stay on top of the cleaning as they quickly become nitrate factories. I would stick with the very proven sump/skimmer approach.

 

[redterror]

blind1993;104983 wrote: what about a canister filter?

I think I may need to drill 2 small holes on top near the back wall for a canister's feed/return lines. then attach an inline pump to the canister's feed line to prime it. to run the lines to the middle openings looks too messy.

where is a good store I can goto to get ideas?

 

[wbholwell]

Redterror, is this tank going to be setup as a saltwater fish-only or reef tank? If so, I highly recommend drilling the tank and adding a sump. Trust me, in the end you'll be <u>extremely</u> glad that you did.

 

[redterror]

it will be fish only. I have no idea how to setup a sump.

 

[mojo]

redterror;105149 wrote: I think I may need to drill 2 small holes on top near the back wall for a canister's feed/return lines. then attach an inline pump to the canister's feed line to prime it. to run the lines to the middle openings looks too messy.

Several people have tried to help you, but you seem to be convinced that you only want to use a canister filter. It's not something you can change later, so you might want to listen to the words of wisdom here.

where is a good store I can goto to get ideas?

I would try to help, but I don't know where "anytwn" is. I would call, but I don't think 123-4567 will get me very far. It seems you've come here to get some quick answers and leave. If you want people to help, you're going to have to participate a little more here. It takes two people to communicate effectively...

 

[mojo]

redterror;105191 wrote: it will be fish only. I have no idea how to setup a sump.

Now we're getting somewhere . Read this page for a sump primer:

 

[jetchris]

A sump can be an overwhelming venture for a noob. You may need someone to walk you through it. Let me know if you need some help. You also should change your info like mojo suggested.

 

[mojo]

Also check out these links:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/index.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Everything you want to know about sumps - Part I</span></a>
[IMG]http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-04/gt/index.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Everything you want to know about sumps - Part II</span></a>
[IMG]http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-07/gt/index.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Everything you want to know about sumps - Part III</span></a>

 

[redterror]

sorry I am a noob to the internet and am afraid to put in any personal info. I will update since u'all appear to be good guys ;-)

 

[redterror]

for the life of me, i can not find where to change the city... I went to edit profile and can't find it. but I am in Lawrenceville. I updated my phone but can't take calls until after 8pm =(

 

[tnyga]

redterror;105223 wrote: for the life of me, i can not find where to change the city... I went to edit profile and can't find it. but I am in Lawrenceville. I updated my phone but can't take calls until after 8pm =(

You will find the ONLY thing they/we want to accomplish is for you to enjoy your tank...no strings I was a noob in July...Now Im an educated noob...We are the scariest kind.

Trust me you wont be dissappointed

 

[mojo]

redterror;105223 wrote: for the life of me, i can not find where to change the city... I went to edit profile and can't find it. but I am in Lawrenceville. I updated my phone but can't take calls until after 8pm =(

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Red: if you are in Lawrenceville, PM me (

 

[cameron]

Sumps are REALLY easy. Fuges and the like can complicate things, but the concept, design and installation of a sump is a breeze. Other than drilling holes, pretty much as easy as a canister and in the long run a lot less work.

 

[dannybradley]

With a name like Red Terror (Cichlasoma festae) I'd assume you'd be doing a Central American Cichlid tank. My favorite cichlid is the aptly named Green Terror(Aequidens rivulatus). Anycrap..

If you want to do a canister filter on there, there is a great one that is big enough. It's the Fluval FX5. You'll need lots of room for it, as it's the size of a 5 gallon bucket. It has a lot of nice features like self priming, you can hook a hose to a valve on the bottom to drain the tank, etc. It moves 925GPH and is whisper quiet. You can find them shipped for under $200.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-HAGEN-FLUVAL-FX5-CANISTER-FILTER_W0QQitemZ180185173115QQihZ008QQcategoryZ46310QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem">http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-HAGEN-FLUVAL-FX5-CANISTER-FILTER_W0QQitemZ180185173115QQihZ008QQcategoryZ46310QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem</a>

Send me an email of the pictures of the tank and we'll explore the options further - [IMG]mailto:dannydrak@email.com">dannydrak@email.com</a>