Does anybody use a sump on there discus tanks?

[matt2426]

Hello so im considering on using a sump on my discus tank but have never used one or havent really done much research the main reason im thinking about going with one is i have a very nice show tank with 3d universal rock back ground and all the equipment like the filters intake and outtake and the heaters just dont look pleasing or natural i was wondering if any of you have used one and if you can give me some info on set up and whatnot i have a 125 gallon tank so what size would i need and is there a good site to order everything i have alot of questions probally going to have to do a little research but thanks everyone

[Discus Origins]

Sumps are great on discus tanks and it keeps all the equipment out of your tank. If you get one big enough you can put your bioballs, return pump and heater all in the sump. Also returns highly oxygenated water back into your tank.

My advice is to measure the inside dimensions of your stand and then go with the biggest sump that will fit and still allow you to maintenance it.

You need about 6x return per hour for freshwater so I would say your pump needs to have 650-750gph is head pressure.

Then plumb your return into the tank either into a spray bar or two entries to cut down on the tornado of water that sometimes happens with a single return.

[fishbubbles]

Here's a link to my build complete with a sump and a 3d background

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?129336-The-costs-of-setting-up-and-maintaining-a-265-gallon-discus-tank

[Discus Origins]

Very nice :)

[Neptune]

Sumps are fantastic. Cheap, easy to make and do a wonderful job.
Do your math upfront. Calculate what you want for a turnover rate, then don't forget to add in some extra safety. Your sump has to be able to handle a power outage.

In other words, it has to be able to handle the pumping going off and until you get a siphon break/waterline below overflow, depending how you do it.

[JamesW]

I use a 29gallon tank as a sump on a 90gallon planted display discus tank. In the sump is pond matrix, 3 x 3" sheets of poret foam one each of 10 ppi, 20 ppi and 30 ppi. The intake/pond matrix side has a bunch of red cherry shrimp and scuds and currently a bunch of baby bristlenose. I use a low-profile water strainer on my tank return to diffuse the return spray significantly.

Also read this: http://gmacreef.com/herbie-overflow-reef-tank-plumbing-method-basics/
Many times until you can recite it verse and chapter. It is a great way to avoid the sound of a constantly flushing toilet or a cascading waterfall.

Keep it simple. If you are doing lots of water changes, and vacuuming detritus you don't need filter socks IMO.

I basically use this: http://www.swisstropicals.com/wp_site/wp-content/uploads/Sump-layout.pdf

I'm a big proponent of poret foam. I'm a novice by all standards but I really like the concept, and it is a set it and forget it type of filtration media. Stendker are also big fans: http://www.diskuszucht-stendker.de/gb/584,0,filtration-cleaning-the-tanks,index,0.html

[matt2426]

Ok thanks everyone on the replies im sure im going to have a few questions need to do a little research on how the sump works but thanks for everyones input much appreciated