CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I just bought a new 180G tank with an AquaClear 200G wet/dry. This is my first experience with a wet/dry. I'm using an external pump and need to install a bulkhead.

(1) Should I install the bulkhead straight through close to the bottom of the sump or put a 45-degree or 90-degree elbow on the inside pointing to the bottom of the sump (this would allow the water level to drop very low without loosing suction. The guy at the fish store told me to do the later but all the diagrams I have seen show the bulkhead without an elbow.

(2) I have read about putting a screen on the bulkhead before the water enters the pump. Does anyone know where to get these? Can you describe how they are installed? Is it something that Home Depot would carry?

(3) Does anyone have experience/recommendation/experience using a float switch in the sump to cut the pump off in the event the water gets too low.

Thanks!!!!! I’m learning a lot quickly. I want to take my time and plan the plumbing out carefully. I'm also installing an Aquanetics 25W UV. External pump is CustomSeaLife Titanium Velocity T4 (1225-GPH @ 3-foothead) supposedly extremely quiet. I saw on their website this pump series was discontinued . Does anyone have good/bad experiences with this pump?

Thanks,
MommyFish's husband (she handles the living things, I handle the hardware!)

Congrats! hopefully some sump guru will reply soon...check out http://www.wetdryfilter.com/

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Joe
www.cichlidfish.com

Hey mommyfish,here is a diagram of the home made sump filter Im making for my 300g grow out tank. Not sure if this is something you were looking in to doing but here it is


http://www.cichlidfish.com/oscars/images/uploaded/Sump.jpg

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Ryan
chronic@wcnet.org
Come see my page
ICQ 41202405

[This message has been edited by ryan1980 (edited 03-25-2002).]

heres an exellent sump setup owned by dleary who is one of our members.
http://users.vnet.net/dleary/Sump.jpg

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TONY
Australian and proud of it!!
My Cichlidfish.com Home page
No Feeder Nazi

Tony -- Thanks for the link to the sump picture. I also went to your site and took a look at your sump pictures. -- MommyFish

Is your tank a tenecor with a simplicity plus filter system? If so, I have one of those and can tell you how mine is hooked up. It's kind of a long story, if you're still interested reply to this.

Amy, its not a Tenecor, its an All-Glass. I've been checking out the Tenecor website,though and wish it was! I'd love to hear about your tank - size, fish, filter, etc. and know how you like it. After we get this one going, I'm going to start working on my husband for one of the bigger Tenecor's for next year. That way I could keep my Arrowana longer!
Candace
tremmels@tampabay.rr.com

Candace-
My tank is 72 x 24 x 30 and is a little over 200 gallons. The simplicity plus filter is powered by 4 powerheads, has 2 bio-media chambers, a pre-filter mechanical shelf, and a skimmer chamber. I also have an Eheim 2260 to supplement it. Because I'm mechanically challenged, I hired a guy who does aqua-scaping and tank set ups. I figured since I spent a lot of money on the tank I might as well spend a little more to do it right. I only have 2 O's and 1 pleco in it. They were originally in an 80 gallon tank so they're very happy! (they think they're on Neptune!) I'm thinking about adding my 2 blood parrots & other pleco in with them. I think my O's like the bubble wands the aqua-scaper added. They're the bendable kind and he wrapped it around their driftwood and rocks and they love it! Good luck with your new tank! It's a lot of planning and work to make it a smooth transition.