Huge sump = overloaded tank is ok

[reefBoyDc]

Since my sump is in the basement, and I have tons of room, I was thinking of attaching a large tub to my sump to increase the amount of water in the system from about 85 to 180 gallons. I'd also put a lot of LR in that tub for added filtration. Good idea? Bad idea? Does this mean I can put more fish in my display tank than I normally could without affecting the health of the system?

[Caoineag]

Obviously, the truth of the matter is, more filtration and water means you can handle more load.

I do caution though, you will still have your fish in the 85 gallon area which can be as important if not more so than quantity of water. If they are peaceful non territorial fish, yes you can have more this way. If they are territorial, huge final size, or agressive, most definitely not.

[Caoineag]

Oh and just so you know, more water and filtration is always better so I would go for it.

[Wiskey]

It does, but now remember you need to upgrade you skimmer too, since you are skimming 185 gallons not 85, water changes need to increace porportanaly too. Also you would be able to have more small fish, not larger ones because of course they are still swimming in the same space.

I think you should save the bother, and upgrade the tank, it would not cost that much more than what you are planning.

Whiskey

[reefBoyDc]

It's actually a 65 with currently a 20 sump (total 85). I totally understand what you mean though. I guess it really depends on which fish. I was thinking of adding some chromis (maybe 5) and a nice fairy wrasse.

Currently I have 2 OC clowns, a royal grama and a yellow tang.

[reefBoyDc]

Originally Posted by Wiskey

It does, but now remember you need to upgrade you skimmer too, since you are skimming 185 gallons not 85, water changes need to increace porportanaly too. Also you would be able to have more small fish, not larger ones because of course they are still swimming in the same space.

I think you should save the bother, and upgrade the tank, it would not cost that much more than what you are planning.

Whiskey

Good point about the skimmer... about the tank... haha, it's brand new and I have space limitations. And don't be putting ideas like that into my head! lol, i may just do it!

[motorslave]

(get a 200g)........

[reefBoyDc]

LOL... a 200... a 200... a 200... a... 200... a...



Nooooooo! i just went from a 29 to a 65, maybe next year.

[tims]

mike look at it this way...... 29 gallon... 29 gallon....290 gallon...290 gallon... - 90 gallons...== 200 gallon... see ya downsized!!!!!!!! i love new math!

over all yes you coudl increase the bioload, but remeber to take in that the area the fish are in is still the same size tank.. just getting diluted more often

[reefBoyDc]

Originally Posted by tims

mike look at it this way...... 29 gallon... 29 gallon....290 gallon...290 gallon... - 90 gallons...== 200 gallon... see ya downsized!!!!!!!! i love new math!

hahaha, hmmmm... i'll try that one on the significant (very significant) other. we'll see how it works

[Caoineag]

It worked on my significant other but then I also told him he could have it setup so that it best suited his favorite fish (amazing how bribery gets them enthusiatic about a new tank).

[reefBoyDc]

"of course we could put a whale shark in there huney..."

[tims]

then you dont need the nanosub! or maybe two subs!

[reefBoyDc]

oh man... cross-thread confusion... well, i may need a nano sub AND a micro sub in that case. oui oui, le micro sub est super.

[tims]

that was very good mike..