Setting Up A Large Tank

[Elaine2]

After much delay to get a stand and lid sorted, I shall shortly be setting up my 7.5 ft X 2.5 ft X 2 ft tank. I currently have 5 tanks running, the largest of which is 240 litres, and all of the residents of these will gradually be moved into the new accommodation - they are compatible, being mainly catfish, plecs and platys.

I would appreciate some advice though re. a couple of things as I am still deliberating over the filtration. I am stuck between getting a Fluval FX5/Eheim 2080 or an Eheim pro 3 2180. I like the idea of the latter as it includes the heaters, and I'd like to keep as much stuff out of the tanks as possible. However, I also have some concerns about replcements if the heater stops working. Alternatively, I am told I could run the FX5 (or similar)with an in-line heater on the pipe leading into the tank. I have never used this arrangement as all of the filters I currently use are internal, but in some ways I prefer the idea to the Eheim 2180 as - if the heater fails - it is easier to replace. It also means that I don't have lots of heaters attached to the inside of the tank. However, I havn't managed to locate an in-line heater big enough for this size of tank. I am also considering running two pumps aswell for redundancy. Any advice welcome and likewise re. UV filtration (I currently use this but via small, internal units.

The plan is to get the tank set up and running, then gradually move in the fish over several weeks. When I have previously upgraded the size difference has not been so great so I have been able to move everyone in one go. However, if I move all of the water out of the 240 litre tank into the new one it will be a bit like emptying a teacup into a bath! Again, advice from others that have made similar moves is welcome, including which fish to shift first.

Many thanks,

Elaine

 

[bitteraspects]

Why not just build a big wet/dry sump. It can provide all the filtration you need and will keep all your heaters nd equipment out of the display. Or you could use the wet/dry with the FX5 for extra filtration.

 

[mossy69056]

hi elaine
i have a 10x2x2ft tank for the last three years running on 2 eheim thermo filters.
you will not go wrong with eheim,IMO they are the best filters out there.
in the 3 years i only done 1 full clean down of the tank
as long as you look after the filters you should be the same
also put in 2 good airstones and pumps
rgds

 

[always4lora]

I;d go with a sump if you have the space, if not get a few fx5's setup on their.

 

[holidayinn]

I'd agree with building a Sump for that large a tank if you can, you'd need a few FX5s to filter it efficiently. Save on initial expense and running costs.

 

[Elaine2]

Thanks for the replies. I had considered the idea of building a sump but as this is something I have not ventured into before I don't want to get it wrong, so have erred towards the ready-made filters.Space is not really an issue as there are three cubby holes under the tanks for accommodating filters and the like I'd prefer to have more filtration than I strictly need just in case anything goes wrong. Maybe a sump in conjunction with one of the Eheim 2180s so all of the eggs are not in the same basket, so to speak? Can anyone point me to any guidance for building a sump/powering it? I have seen some made out of small fish tanks.

 

[dave_oddballs]

my tank which holds just 3 gallons more than yours is running on 2 eheim pro3 2080's and 1 fluval fx5. i would suggest that you don't use any one of the filters you mentioned but at least 2. the filters i have are amongst the most powerful ones available and none opf them would provide enough flow to sufficiently filter the tank, hence why i had the 2 eheims and then that wasn't enough so i added the fx5, only since adding the 3rd filter have i been totally happy with it. i, as you have mentioned, am going to be adding in-line heating in the very near future, i will need 3 300 watts to heat the tank so i will add 1 heater to each of the filter outlets.
if you can o the sump thing then do it, get your tank drilled before you go any further, im completely happy with mine but if you don't want multiple filters then a sump is your only option.

 

[Elaine2]

Thanks for that. I want to run a couple of filters anyway (I have space for three if needed), whether they are commercially available ones or one commercial plus something I can make myself (though I admit to being a little nervous abut the latter). What are you using for in-line heaters? Whilst I look forward to getting the new tank set up it is also a big learning experience as the largest one I currently have is about 5 ft long and uses internal filters. Really don't want to get this wrong! The tank is drilled (though the holes were covered by the previous owner).