Hello from Melbourne

[law_of_inertia]

Hello everyone from Brunswick, Melbourne! This is my first post on the discus forums, although i think i've probably read well over 1000! There is so much useful information on this site- it boggles the mind! I must say, i love reading merrilyns posts or replies to questions- she seems to be somewhat of a cyber discus god! I would totally trust her judgement in any situation.. which leads me to my actual question- I am getting a 6x2x2 in a couple of weeks, and after reading many posts- it would seem that a sump would be a benificial idea, but is it actually necessary? I will be using a fishless cycle and then transferring my discus from their current 4 foot home.. Currently i have 2 Jebo 838 cannister filters, and although they are rip off versions of other filters- they have not let me down.. So i'm wondering, Are cannister filters by themselves enough filtration for such a tank? I will save up some more money to buy an eheim at some point aswell.. Or should i just make/buy a sump? All comments welcome! Thanks!

[Hollowman]

Hi Law'

Welcome to the forum.

Many people use sumps, the same goes for cannisters.
I use 2 cannisters on my 4ft tank, and I have never had any issues, increasing the volume by getting a bigger tank might mean it is better to go for the sump. I think for many it is a question of space and expence. I also use a couple of sponge filters which helps.

Not having run a sump before, I cannot tell you the advatages over cannisters or vice versa, I am sure there will be expers out there who will be able to voice an opinion.

Hollowman

[law_of_inertia]

Thanks for your fast reply hollowman! Space isnt such an issue- but as always, expense is! :shock: I've found some DIY sump posts on this, and a couple of other sites- however, unfortunatly i'm not too good with that kind of stuff.. :oops: If i can maintain a 6 footer without resorting to a sump, i will stick to that. I just need to know if i will be able to do so with cannisters, and like you said- maybe a couple of sponges if need be..
By the way, The tank will not be too heavily planted- silica pool filter sand substrate with anubias, java fern and Java moss all on driftwood. I'm going to try to keep it simple (although i'm sure it will work out differently) Aaaaaanywho, thanks again for your comment and i guess i better start saving for an eheim.. :lol:

[Hollowman]

If you are going for Ehiem, then I can recommend the 2217, it is not the fancy new one, but it is a cheaper option, but these things are bullet proof. I have friends who have had them running for over 10 years with no problems. They hold a good quantity of filter media, and are really silent running. Only 20w power consumption, and 1000l/hr a couple of them should be fine.

:wink:

[Merrilyn]

Welcome to the forum law_of_inertia. Glad to have another member from Victoria, and thankyou for the kind words.

Definately not a discus expert, but as I've had discus for the last 30 years, I've just had plenty of time to make more mistakes than others :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I don't have sumps on any of my tanks, even the 7 and 10 foot ones. It's canister filters all the way for me. I just find them easier to manage, quieter and more efficient. But it's really a personal choice.

A number of members like sumps because you can hide all the heaters etc in them, and leave an uncluttered tank.

[law_of_inertia]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice merrilyn! I think i will stick to the cannister filters.. Which eheim would you recommend? Just trying to get different opinions on models- so i can try to work out how much dosh i need to save.. I had just been reading up alot on sumps lately and wasnt sure if i would need one for the 6 footer, because i've never maintained such a large tank.. Ha ha, i suppose it would seem minute to someone who owns a 10 foot tank!! :shock: That is something i could only dream about (and then cry when i wake up, realising its not there)
Anywho, i will post some pics of my fish soon and look forward to asking you many more questions and contributing to the forum.. Thanks again for the welcome!

[Merrilyn]

As Hollowman suggested, the 2217 is a great workhorse, and will give you many years of service.

Remember that you'll be doing a water change twice a week to keep your water clean, so you need efficient and reliable filtration, rather than masses of filtration.

[BigDaddyAdo]

The best thing about running a coule of cannisters is that if one breaks down the other will hold things together.


Ado

[law_of_inertia]

cheers guys! As i said, i'm running 2 jebo 838's on my tank at the moment, and although they have never let me down- i will still get an eheim as well (try out the 2217), and run the 838 in conjuction with it..
I'm so excited about setting up this new tank! and even more excited about finally having a drum to do my water changes.. ditching the buckets after 8 years! woo hoo! Definatly a step in the right direction! Thanks again for your comments! Now i'm going to try to pry myself away from this site, or i'll be here all night.. again! :shock:

[pink66]

Welcome "Law" as you can see there is always someone to assist with questions.. and it is also nice to have someone else south of the border :lol: