Wet/Dry vs Cannister on empty 75G

[Chef]

Hey People, can I please get some feed back. I've got a 75gallon tall tank that hasn't been drilled. So what I would like to do it ask what y'all think about a cannister vs sump. How much is it to drill a hole for overflow or should I just go with HOB? I have a sump box and I've got a MAG7, do you think it would do the job and if so what size hole should I drill and what size bulkheads do I buy? Where can I buy cheap filter media and or filter mats? I've never done the sump thing so this is new to me. I'm still trying to grasp the full concept of it's functionality. I've seen the youtube vids but not for sure about how to stop and start water flow in that sump. I'd hate to have dead fish and a wet house. Any thoughts would be cool. Oh btw, I wanted to have this tank lightly planted. Would that be an issue? Since it's so tall I figured that wouldn't be much of an issue.

[myjohnson]

Hey People, can I please get some feed back. I've got a 75gallon tall tank that hasn't been drilled. So what I would like to do it ask what y'all think about a cannister vs sump.

What fishes are you trying to keep? I would go wet/dry with mag 7 and a eheim 2260 canister.

How much is it to drill a hole for overflow or should I just go with HOB?

I drill acrylic, but I don't drill glass. I leave that up to the pros. I would get an eshopps wet/dry.

I have a sump box and I've got a MAG7, do you think it would do the job and if so what size hole should I drill and what size bulkheads do I buy?

I would just got with HOB and hose from pump to tank as return.

Where can I buy cheap filter media and or filter mats?

Go all eheim media. Sometimes people sell it for a decent price on here.

I've never done the sump thing so this is new to me. I'm still trying to grasp the full concept of it's functionality. I've seen the youtube vids but not for sure about how to stop and start water flow in that sump. I'd hate to have dead fish and a wet house. Any thoughts would be cool. Oh btw, I wanted to have this tank lightly planted.

If planted I would not use the wet/dry and go with a eheim 2217 for a planted tank. Wet/dry will have negative effects on the C02.

Would that be an issue? Since it's so tall I figured that wouldn't be much of an issue.

Planted tank needs a canister. Look into the eheim pro II series.

[Chef]

Thanks MJ! I think I will go with a cannister. I know Eheim is the best but I'm on a budget. Or maybe some nice people on here would part with a gentley used eheim.

[ssrprelude]

Scratch all your drilling ideas. You can have a fully functioning W/D without any drilled holes, just use a small overflow box. As for lightly planting it, I see no problem using a W/D cause you prolly won't need co2. W/Ds are simple to use and maintain. If you need any help setting one up, I'm sure someone here can swing by and lend you a hand.

[jeebus]

Number one question is "what's your budget?"

[Chef]

I'm looking to spend about 60-70 for a used filter unless someone has a overflow box for sale and a return pump. I figured a mag 7 would be over kill for 75g

[jarrodaden]

I don't think a Mag 7 is overkill for this tank. Presumably you are looking to move about 350 gph minimum. The real question is how high is the top of your tank relative to your pump. I don't have a rating curve for a Mag 7, but assume your actual flowrate would be closer to 400 - 500 gph for a setup of typical height.

A little too much flow is far better than not quite enough.

[myjohnson]

Stay away from wet/dry filters if you are trying to do a planted tank.

You will want to add CO2 via seachem excel or a pressurized bottle,etc.

The wet/dry will remove CO2 from your water and also increase oxygenation.

[Chef]

Won't the water have a more balanced o2and co2 ratio? If a sump would mimic the natural flow of water oxygenating a tank would also add co2 right?

[myjohnson]

Huh?

Totally depends on what you are trying to keep for a statement like that to be consistent.

If you want a lightly planted tank then you may be able to use a wet/dry.

However, if you are going for heavily planted with strong lighting then co2 is a must and wet/drys can't be used.

[jhenry]

Scratch all your drilling ideas. You can have a fully functioning W/D without any drilled holes, just use a small overflow box. As for lightly planting it, I see no problem using a W/D cause you prolly won't need co2. W/Ds are simple to use and maintain. If you need any help setting one up, I'm sure someone here can swing by and lend you a hand.

I see you live in sugarland I'm in Stafford if you need help with either filter i can help you and i've got a overflow box too. just answered some of MJ questions first.