New Freshwater Tank Build

So the company I work for was discarding 10mm Toughened Glass that was surplus to a job. The glass has been powder coated on the one side with very small grey 3mm dots to give that semI transparent decorative look.

I took 5 or 6 panels, can't remember qty they are packed deep, in the eventuality that I would someday return to fish keeping, which has happened. So the panels are 1540 x 605mm (60.5 x 23.5") which should give me a 130g aquarium. Now the dots would work fine, and look rather pleasant for the bottom, sides etc and I would buy clear glass for the front. I can now buy quality glass given the reduced cost.

Given that I have a blank canvas I am keen to explore options. In previous tanks I have drilled through the bottom glass to make a manifold for filter pipes, heater cables etc. I hate stuff hanging off the sides or being visible.

I really like the idea of sump filters but somehow think that a canister filter is a better option? I really like the option of have the heater and other stuff in the sump and out of the tank. I can do an internal sump but don't really want to lose any internal space. The choice of filter will greatly affect the design with regards to inlet and outlet positioning so this is the first big question to get out of the way. I am easy either way so opinions are most welcome. Either way I would still like everything to enter through the bottom of the tank, electrics every thing.

The tank will be planted. My previous tank had under gravel heating wire that was laced across the area that I anticipate the plants to be. This heating was purely to keep the plants roots warm and to accelerate the breakdown of waste into plant nutrients. The heating was low, I cannot remember anymore but I think I had 40W installed across half of the 4' tank. Thoughts on under gravel heating and Watt density?

What is the lifespan of PVC pipe in water?

If a sump is not utilized I will probably have two corner madden filters at the rear in addition to the canister filter. This way the heater and inlet tubes are hidden.

Regards

 

I have a large 50 Gal sump under my 330 Gal tank and I love it. Not only does it keep all my equipment out of sight it also holds massive amounts of filter media, something that not even 10 large canisters could match. It add extra water to the overall volume as well. I use it for experimental equipment (algae scrubber and Cerges CO2 reactor) and it eases my water change with less stress of the fish.

If I was starting over again it would 100% sure be with a sump once more.

 

Thanks for your response. Is there a rule of thumb for sizing the sump to the aquarium?

 

It doesn't matter too much for freshwater whereas I am let to believe the salty people wants about 1/3 of tank size. I would do as big as you have space for underneath but do leave some space for equipment that you would put into the sump, like e.g. a CO2 tank. I actually ordered mine a little too big and would have appreciated a little more space around the sump for maintenance etc.

My main thread has some pictures of my sump towards the end of its current status. My mechanical filtering is actually on the top of the sump so all submerged filter material in the sump is biological (sponges as well as ceramic materials).

 

How do I find your main thread?

 

Custom Tank Build - 330 Gallon / 1250 L

 

Funnily enough my Pinterest account mail almost at the same time showed this picture:

Pin by FrederI Testaniere on Filtre | Aquarium sump, Saltwater aquarium setup, Aquarium filter

A very clean design seen from inside the tank...

My tank has dark (black) boxes in the two back corners to hide in- and outlet which works well and don't take up that much space but that design is even better.

 

Very nice, enjoyed the thread.

 

One question, you mentioned the glass was "Toughened" by that do you mean tempered? If so you wouldn't be able to drill it if you chose to go with a sump.

 

You're lucky to find those, and those must be big pieces of glass.

 

One question, you mentioned the glass was "Toughened" by that do you mean tempered? If so you wouldn't be able to drill it if you chose to go with a sump.

Just realized this, ah well got it for nothing. I can still use it for the base and the rear so that is two pieces saved.