How would I filter this?

[seanarino]

So I've got this *really* funky tank. It's the UniQuarium 75 gallon acrylic tank with tubes. I do wanna try and make it into a saltwater tank. I know for some it's "not worth it", but it's all I got and I think it's pretty funky. There's a surprising amount of swimming room.

Only thing is, I've no clue how to filter it. The blue parts in the back of this image are AIO sumps, but the AIO part has been removed on mine a long time ago, so they no longer exist. I plan on sitting the tank on the floor with a thick leveling mat underneath because I've got no stands to place it on and it would be easier for me to maintain. I have no idea how to filter this in a way that makes sense because of the AIO being gone. The lid-light (the big black box on top) is also gone but I plan on using a t5 fixture, so that's no trouble. Since it's acrylic, it would theoretically be possible to plumb by drilling. The issue is the fact that I planned to sit the tank on the floor since I've no way to set it onto a stand (since I... have no stand).

Also, how big would you say a sump for this needed to be? It's 75 gallons, but it's a particularly odd shape.

 

[blaxsun]

If it were me, I'd just run a Tunze Comline filter on each side. A pair of Comline 3162 filters should do the trick.

 

[The Farmer]

A canister filter will work also, over flow line on one side and return on the other

 

[seanarino]

If it were me, I'd just run a Tunze Comline filter on each side. A pair of Comline 3162 filters should do the trick.

The price isn't horrible for those, actually. Though, I'd prefer something more powerful. This is a 75 gallon after all. Each one can only do 225 GPH, which seems... small to me? I guess? Maybe? Though combined that's 450 GPH (... don't laugh if I have that wrong).

 

[blaxsun]

The price isn't horrible for those, actually. Though, I'd prefer something more powerful. This is a 75 gallon after all. Each one can only do 225 GPH, which seems... small to me? I guess? Maybe? Though combined that's 450 GPH (... don't laugh if I have that wrong).

You can move up to the larger 3168 - I just wanted to give you the cheapest option. You typically want 3-5x flow for your main filtration, so that's 225-375Gph (plus flow from wavemakers).

 

[blaxsun]

A canister filter will work also, over flow line on one side and return on the other

No, don't do a canister filter...

 

[seanarino]

No, don't do a canister filter...

Canisters have already ruined my life (joking), I wouldn't want another lol.

You can move up to the larger 3168 - I just wanted to give you the cheapest option. You typically want 3-5x flow for your main filtration, so that's 225-375Gph (plus flow from wavemakers).

The Sicce Sharks (Pro 900) are also relatively cheap. I was also trying to look at a cheap protein skimmer. I wonder if it's possible to just get the limewood airstones and make your own...?

 

[blaxsun]

Canisters have already ruined my life (joking), I wouldn't want another lol.

The Sicce Sharks (Pro 900) are also relatively cheap. I was also trying to look at a cheap protein skimmer. I wonder if it's possible to just get the limewood airstones and make your own...?

You could always run the larger Tunze filter on one side and the Tunze skimmer on the other. I like the easily removable aspect of the Tunze for cleaning.

 

[seanarino]

You could always run the larger Tunze filter on one side and the Tunze skimmer on the other. I like the easily removable aspect of the Tunze for cleaning.

Yeah, I just didn't like the reviews on it. The skimmer for me is still a little on the pricey side.

 

[The Farmer]

A canister filter will work also, over flow line on one side and return on the other

I would have suggested something else, but he stated that he was going to leave the tank on the floor.

 

[Cell]

Drop in AIO kit may be an option.

 

[seanarino]

Drop in AIO kit may be an option.

Can't! There's technically a 'lid' - it's basically an acrylic box except the lid has holes for where the AIO *used* to be and the "main hole". The AIO was probably installed during manufacturing before the ""lid"" went on, so no AIO kit would fit. Plus this is a really strange shape and I can't DIY stuff very well because my hands aren't too good.

 

[seanarino]

I would have suggested something else, but he stated that he was going to leave the tank on the floor.

I would (save for the fact canisters have been the bane of my existence lately) but the two sides are separated, so the water from one side wouldnt be getting to the other side very well. I'd have to run two canister filters. I've decided instead that the Sicce Shark PRO 900 would be a good choice.