chuckymystic

ok so im getting a bigger tank. had a 125, traded down to a 75 but am going up to a 180. currently i have a 30 gal sump and a 1400gph pump.

problem with the new tank is the sump may be dying. i have no clue what hes running on it, but i want above adequate filtration. he has a 75 gallon acrylic tank set up under it with dual drilled waterfalls with 1.5" pipes for overflow. also he has a divider with 4 heads to the tank.

i need to know how big of a pump i need to buy. whats the rule, ive heard cycle at least 10 times the tank size per hour? would a regular 2200gph sump pump work? where can i get a cheap pump?

now for my next problem. i currently have a 4ft lighting system on my 75. its a modern mount compact florescent fixture with 4 55w bulbs, 2 6500k and 2 10000k bulbs. i know its 2 feet too short but for freshwater cichlids with no plants would this be a decent lighting source or should i spend lotsa money and get a 6ft light. i really love the way my 75 looks, its way bright.

thanks in advance for all ur help!!!

aquarist48

Hello Chuckymystic and Welcome to Fish Lore. As for your lighting. If you aren't happy with what you have, I would suggest 2 36" lights instead of 1 6' light. I think you'll find them cheaper in the long run. I buy my lighting from drsfostersmith.com. There is a link at the top of the page.

As for your filtration. Your Gallons Per Hour (GPH) should be 8 to 10 times the volume of your tank. If you have or will have a light stocking list I think the 1400 should do just fine. You can always add more if necessary. 1440 to 1800 would be ideal. If you are over stocked (hopefully you want be) then you could even add more as long as the fish in the tank can handle the current.
I hope you can share some photos with us along the way.
Have fun and enjoy the site!
Ken

peacemaker92

WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

Congrats on your new tank. Aquarist has got you covered with great advice Best of luck!