Equipment Review and Discussion :: Sump filter for 90 gallon? (vs Fluval 404)

[BullDog]

I've been looking for a new tank, and 90 gal would be ideal. However, I've found most 90 gals are set up for a sump filter. One person said for a tank that large, you sort of need a sump filter, but she was talking about her saltwater fish... Do you need a sump? Or would a fluval 404 suffice? Also, has anyone used a sump tank but not a sump filter?

I'm completely clueless when it comes to sumps, so anything posted would be appreciated

[steve]

For saltwater tanks and for reefs, sumps are used for extra water containment and to stick equipment in there (e.g., heater, filters, skimmers) so the main tank looks nice.

You don't need a sump tank for a turtle. If the you're looking at 90 gallon with drains or tubing for a sump attachment, it may be helpful when you need to drain the tank. This kind of tank will cost you extra anyway... I'd look elsewhere.

[steve]

...and the 404 might barely be enough for one turt in a 90 gallon. I would feed the messy foods and pellets out of the tank though.

[BullDog]

It's a used tank I'm looking at... It's 90 gallon, and it's got a corner sectioned off where I guess all the tubing and stuff goes... They're asking $300 (cdn) and it comes with the smaller (I think 30 gal) sump tank and a stand. Or, he said he'd go $270 without the small tank. I've looked around, and I can't find anything cheaper... There's a new one in the pet store for $300, but it doesn't come with a stand or the little tank. Used large tanks seem to be hard to come by where I live...

[marisa]

Don't know where you are, but try on-line at places like www.freecycle.org or www.craigslist.org Also flea markets, yard sales, local classifieds. There was a 120-gallon in the local paper a few months ago that was free, you had to pick it up, though. I would keep looking.

[BullDog]

Yes, I joined freecycle, but craigs list the closest place is about 400 km from where I live... Although I saw a 70 gal that I might get my family to look at (they live closer)... I think if that 90 gal went down to 250, I'd buy it... But I don't think the guy wants to go any lower (Although the people who are storing it want to get rid of it )

[jenaero]

I use the fluval 404 for my 125gal and the water is always crystal clear. I do all feeding in the tank as well. Maybe I'm just lucky?

[FishTechNH]

You can use a canister even with the overflow box in the corner. There should be a couple of bulkhead fittings at the bottom of the overflow box, usually a 1" drain and a 3/4" return. Simply use reducers to get down to 1/2" barbs and hook the canister up to these 1/2" barbs. I wouldn't reccommend the fluval. The slots for allowing water through to the overflow box are usually at the top and too high for a turtle set up so you'll need to drill some holes through the lower portions of the overflow box so that they're beneath the water level that you'll be keeping the tank at. A ball valve for both the drain and return are recommended as well so you can shut off the water flow during filter servicing.

[BullDog]

Heh, sounds greek to me ^^;
Since I posted I actually got a 75 gal set up, but thanks for the advise

[FishTechNH]

No problem.