What would be the best route to go for filtration on the 300 gal I'm getting? I was either looking at a sump (what size sump would I need?) or something like dual FX5's on it. I've never setup a sump before but sure I could figure it out. Just wasn't sure which route is preferred in this situation. The tank does have a center overflow in it.

Also if I run an inline heater what are my options for a good one...or if I need more than one? What wattage would be ideal?

Also I want to paint the blue background that is already on the tank black...do I use pond paint or is there something else I need to use?

Any other help would be appreciated if you think of it...never had anything even remotely close to this size before! haha! Want to do it right though so give me your opinions on setting up a beast like this!

Thanks!

Okay if I was in your position I would probably go for a couple of big canister filters. Obviously a sump is an option but if you've never done one before it might be a little bit intimidating because it will involve drilling both the tank and the cabinet.

As for heating, you could get one of these and see how you get on. Either this or several smaller cheaper ones. Maybe three 400 W, that will probably work out cheaper but you obviously have more inside you aquarium for the Oscars to play with. Just make sure you get some nice robust heaters if you do go down the route.

www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=368

If i were you i would go for 2 FX5's for filtration

As for the background, is it painted on the inside or the outside. If its on the outside scrape the paint off and repaint with any household paint. If its on the inside then you have 2 options, either scrape old paint off and paint the outside or speak to a specialist and buy the proper paint

a pair of Ethiem Pros or fx5. OFL those heaters look really sexy to me but price is high.

is the paint inside or out??

my best advice is. get it level. make sure the floor can hold the weight. if you have the plug behind the tank give a little room to remove it if needed. it may be worth putting a camping sleeping mat on the back to help save heat/cooling effect. (12mm close cell foam). use a tank liner under the glass (between cabinet and glass) make sure the cabinet is up to the job of holding it.

and you got me jealous

marcus wrote:


No Marcus, this is sexy



you really need to get out more

for filtration imho you should look into one fx5 and a 75 gallon sump for it. as for heating maybe a couple of 500 watt heaters should do the trick(you can keep them in the sump).

as for painting if the paint is on the outside of the tank just remove it with a blade but remember to be carefull since the tank is acrylic. and for the paint if you are painting the outside then i recommend krylon fussion flat black for a background. if you are looking to paint the inside then pond armor might be your best option.

I'll be interested to know your reasons for suggesting a 75 gallon sump? For the extra water on the system, or so you can add lots of media. If you're going to go to such a large sump filter, there isn't really any point in going for a canister filter. A 75 gallon sump filter will take enough media for about 5000 gallons, maybe even more. That is just overkill on a tank of 300 gallons

as for reasoning the sump would be in place to handle the biological fitration for the tank. why a 75? because it is recommended to use a sump that is around 1/4 of the tank size.(this i got from the tons of research i did when i was setting up my sump).

since sumps provide poor mechanical fitration an fx5 would be used for this reason. and since for mechanical fitration a high turnover rate is best the fluval fits the bill at over 700 gph.

i hope this makes why i posted what i did clearer.

Hey Cris, you might want to make a copy of this post for posterity. I did some measuring today and guess what? My sump is a 75 gallons

I think I will let you deal with this in the future so I'm sorry for calling you out

OFL, that was indeed sexy.
Good to see necro has been trained not to fall for that and just continue with his post on a serious tone.
One more vote for sump and fx5.
btw wouldn't a overflow mean that the tank and cabinet are drilled allready?

Since the tank has an overflow and you said in one of your posts that you are not able to set it up right now, I would seriously look into getting a sump. Go on down to your local home renovation center and talk to them about plumbing if you have questions.

i guess the sump users will gladly help you out.
like me!
I was wondering if there were any extras to the tank?
Not that that would be logical, for the price you pay...
No sump hidden in the cabinet?lol