Convert from canister to sump

[spamvicious]

I bought a second hand tank which was originally an all in one tank but the previous owner has modified it to use an external canister filter. It’s been running for 11 weeks now and is doing ok but despite regular water changes I’m already unable to get below 18 nitrates. Also the canister filter has been wedged into the cabinet so when I clean it, it’s lot harder as I have to manually drain the filter to be able to clean the media.

If I wanted to install a sump would it be difficult and what would it mean for the few fish and coral frags I currently have in the tank?. The tank I have is the fluval m90 but it’s hard to find much spec as it’s an older model. It’s 135 litres. Or if I bought another second hand tank that already has a sump would I be able to transfer everything over or does it mean cycling the tank again?.

 

[MoshJosh]

Depends, is the tank drilled? Are you willing to drain the tank and move the inhabitants if drilling is needed? Are you OK with a HOB overflow? What are the cabinet dimensions?

Assuming the tank isn't drilled based on the photos, if that is the case easiest was is probably to tear out the middle shelf completely and a tank/sump that will fit there with enough extra room for equipment. Then get a HOB overflow to drain to the sump and connect return pump to the AOI outlet

 

[Sebastiancrab]

You could go either way. I recently redrilled one hole in my tank to improve the plumbing. It involved tearing my 40 breeder tank down and putting it all back in the same day. It was much easier to drill than I thought.

Due to one of my clowns jumping the tank, I have a new pair in QT. I started the tank up with Aqualife Activate the same day they went in. It's working well.

I should say I previously used a canister for a fish only saltwater tank and prefer the sump much more.

 

[spamvicious]

Depends, is the tank drilled? Are you willing to drain the tank and move the inhabitants if drilling is needed? Are you OK with a HOB overflow? What are the cabinet dimensions?

This is what the cabinet is like under the tank. The hole in the top right is supposed to be to drain water from the tank if needed but I don’t think that is working still.
Aquarium Dimensions: (W x D x H) 90 x 42 x 40cm
Cabinet Dimensions: 40 x 42 x 85cm

 

[Crustaceon]

If it's an all-in-one, i'd run it as an all-in-one. They work fine.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Is the Only reason you're looking into a sump because of the nitrates?

Your nitrates are fine at that level for MOST things commonly kept.