Freshwater Aquarium Sump - Discus filter

My annual deep clean of my freshwater aquarium sump I use to filter my discus aquarium. I think the aquarium sump filter is probably the best filtration you can get, especially on large display tanks like my Discus aquarium, as it provides maximum filtration and water volume as well as hiding equipment so your aquarium only has the things you want to look at in it!
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[@moosehoper]

one year into my first fw sump, 185 gallon tank, I came across you video. this confirmed a lot of what I have learned, Plus added to what I know. THE INFO ABOUT THE LOW VOLTAGE VARIABLE SPEED PUMP WAS FANTASTIC. My aquarium hobby goes back decades, always keeping a tank in the living area, my continuing issue has always been pump noise. I immediately bought the same pump shown in your video. result is SILENCE ! wow, how did I not know about this? any way a great big thank you.

[@VyvienneEaux]

When I listen to your friendly narration, I feel happy :)

[@breedingbubbles]

Best setup I've seen yet, thank you.

[@johnmarkzimm]

I just learned 2 new things from your video that will help me with my new sump. 1 I like the idea of a tee off your return pump and 2 I never realized the pump would just pump the water from the last chamber... I had it in my mind that if the drains down to the sump got clogged, then the pump would just keep pumping all the water from the sump and tank and it would overflow the tank until it was out of water... Thank you.

[@atparium]

Solid setup and i am always amazed at how beautiful your tanks look! Thanks for sharing!

[@AquariumAdventures]

Much appreciated!

[@moonwrasse]

That’s a great clean set up. Makes so much more sense to use a sump.

[@AquariumAdventures]

Definitely!

[@CaptCoordination]

Awesome video. First good explanation for how a sump really works that I could find anywhere. Thanks!

[@adrianrainbow4106]

Same mate, too many wafflers and drama school drop outs.

[@xTraumaaBRYL]

I can smell the second half of this video from here! Love the video, I never looked into sumps on fresh water tanks. Your discus seem happy with this setup. Also rip this tank, I can't wait to see the upgrade!

[@williammorris2251]

I liked the display tank bypass. That’s a great idea I might steal for my next sump.

[@harveym5627]

Great video. I'm getting a 7x2x2 tank in October and its my first time owning a sump. Very helpful. Thanks

[@AquariumAdventures]

Sounds like a beast of a tank - Good luck!

[@joop6045]

This is crazy.. I am looking for a recent vid for 3 days in a row now.. And today I get my notification of you making a vid about a sump 🔔🔔🔔 thx for the bell!

[@AquariumAdventures]

Hope it helps!

[@jmass1100]

Hello awesome tank and video. I have have kept saltwater fish and reefs for 30 + years now and I am currently planning my first discus tank. Yes the sump is a great filtration system and allows greater flexibility for different filter systems. Following along with your videos,again your discus look great.

[@AquariumAdventures]

Thanks - hope you enjoy keeping Discus!

[@badgoat666]

Just about to upgrade to a new 6 foot tank with my first sump! This is super helpful 👏 thank you.

[@AquariumAdventures]

Good luck!

[@Nomadistar]

I have been away from the hobby far too long. Can't wait to get a huge tank & sump. (Already have it picked out). Agree, super helpful.

[@jayblomquist3339]

Really nice sump !

[@adrianrainbow4106]

Cheers dude, nice easy going explanation, no arm flapping and drama school gee ups.

[@robertkerr3274]

Your editing is getting very good 👌

[@AquariumAdventures]

You say the nicest things!

[@DidisFINDen]

this was a very informative video. thanks

[@eamonnschevyUSA]

I am about to start my first freshwater aquarium using a sump,( Fancy Goldfish) I've kept topicals for over 50 years, but Goldfish are so messy decided to go the sump route with them, thanks for the video ;)

[@AquariumAdventures]

Good luck!

[@MicksFishUk]

Nice video mate 👍🏻

[@AquariumAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@Maxmgm212.]

Nice video!

[@edwinismail9401]

all the fish run when he touched the glass box hahahah

[@andrewspeedyatkinson]

I love my fresh water sump

[@bigtimefishkeeper]

Hiya pal loads of helpfull info for sump use i personely use a fx6 and a pre filter from all pond solutions with corse med fine sponges and floss to do the job were u have you filter wool

[@itbeme3877]

ferocious flowerhorn

[@DidisFINDen]

i love sumps so much easier for cleaning, but i don't have room for more than one.... thanks for the explanation

[@MilosStevanovic1]

I had canister filters for the longest time. But after watching this I may replace all that for a large sump.

[@kasibkasi7457]

very nice tank nicely explained how many litters this tank?

[@gavogr69]

Great video explanation, beautiful clean looking tank. My sump is so full of crap I’m cleaning it most months. Am going to grab more foam and set up similar to yours. What is the paper filter you have on the first chamber? I went looking on google and can’t seem to find paper looking sheets like the ones you have. Do you have a link to that, I can get the filter wool no problem just not the thin paper looking stuff. Cheers Gavin

[@jameshalligan69]

Are you using a co2 diffuser in the sump.

[@jamstarjam1875]

Great video mate and finally first to comment 👍 🔥

[@AquariumAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@mandymoore5774]

I feel as tho technology wise we should be Leaps and bounds ahead of ourselves filtration wise. I mean poop goes to the bottom hence a more powerful bottom of the tank filter.

[@rulr.7502]

Very nice sump. What is your nitrit and nitrat level?

[@chevy4x466]

How often if ever do vacuum ur tank gravel/substrate?

[@rodbrittain6772]

Have you used a denitrifying reactor in any of your freshwater aquarium sumps ? I’ve seen them used in saltwater aquarium sumps.

[@kalmykdude]

This seems so complicated. I'm new. Why are their so many wires and tubes...I'm getting a 125g mega flow. What size do you get and do I only need 1 return pump. I'm lost at this stage.

[@seraphHHC]

I have one question. is it really necessary to run a air stone to get the right amount of oxygen in your tank? It's going to be a freshwater plant a tank. Now I was just wondering if I have to do any oxygenating like an air stone in my sump?

[@FlyRenegade_]

When my sump trickles and gets noisy I think "never mind, that noise is good gas exchange and oxygenation"

[@AquariumAdventures]

😂 I like it! Positive Mental Attitude!

[@timothywheaton9867]

Could you just put in all the heaters in a sump because I’m getting a 180 gallon and I don’t think 2 300 Fluval heaters in the sump is going to be good enough to heat the whole tank up also love the video ❤

[@mrdougie7360]

Subbed. How do you quieten the flow into the sump? Mine is quite noisy (my first sump set up). Great vid. Looking forward to catching up on your others!

[@AquariumAdventures]

Depends where the noise if coming from - if its gurgling or crashing at the top or in the pipe, you may not have a full siphon established, i - if it's from the water hitting the sump, you might want to extend the pipe to enter under the water level. If you're on Facebook join my group and post some videos maybe we can work it out?

[@selenadresing]

Hi, thanks for the video. It helped me a lot. Do you prefer slower water flow through the filter pad? Is that why you put the filter pad on the section section instead of directly under the PVC?

[@AquariumAdventures]

I'm just lazy - filter socks clog quicker!

[@selenadresing]

@@AquariumAdventures Hi, sorry, I had a typo. Why do you put the filter pad on the second section instead of the first section?

[@Stavrosmct]

Thanks for the video. I've got an aqua Oak 550ltr with 150ltr sump for my discus tank. Designed only with one pipe in the weir. Never have been able to get the air drawing noise sorted. Been tempted to get rid and double up on some fx4's. Biggest problem I have is finding a balance between the return pump, noise and circulation which you need for discus as you know. Did you find having the downpipe emptying under water help noise over all? Mine I have set up with an elbow after an adjustable T which I'm sure is noisy. Don't want to give up on the sump, but frustrating when you can't find the balance. Any tips appreciated and good to see you back making videos.

[@AquariumAdventures]

Downpipe under water helped a little, but ti sounds like sucking air is the bigger issue for you - see if you can put some kind of valve on the overflow (mine is just above where the pipework returns to the sump) and restrict the overflow a little, raising the water level in the weir a little, then you should be able to achieve a full siphon and it should be silent. Good luck!

[@Stavrosmct]

@@AquariumAdventures thanks, will take a look. I've tried every KZbin solution 🤣 might just be the intake tube in the weir is too high? No idea 🤣

[@ruxy6401]

Can you remember where you got your intake/output things from? I'm looking at setting up a sump and I can find all the pipework, fittings and bulkheads but not actual input/output nozzles

[@AquariumAdventures]

My tank was custom built so all came together - but they are 'Ultra Reef' overflows and returns. charterhouse-aquatics.com/shop/aquatics/fittings/ultra-reef/ultra-reef-drain-for-hole-d53-u50-s?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASo6tJVVeFMLiTCo90BI1_yf5Jel2plZBleBle6fM15eVDi3EPNM94AaAlbFEALw_wcB

[@hus4781]

Great video mate! Do you know how many kilos of bio media fits in your sump?

[@AquariumAdventures]

I'm not sure - I have about 8kg of Biohome in there, another couple of kg of alfagrog and maybe 1kg of ceramic rings - still plenty of space left!

[@djlalorocks]

I'd like to know the dimensions of your sump to get an idea of it's capacity

[@glynnburnage6890]

I’m setting up a discus tank it’s 65”36”28” in size got tank at great price of £200 then also had the two ehiem xl1500 a all the tunze pumps heaters Ph a co reader.he had it as marine.I’ve done tropical over the years now want to do discus but one person says this a someone else says this what should do.I’m hoping that the two canister filters would be good enuf.I’m looking at running the pipes with holes in around the bottom also a heating wire.my thinking is to pull though the silica sand with one pump.then the other just set up normal way.want a planted tank as so much nicer to look at.in your opinion is this a ok set up.will have co2 as well.other one anywhere to get a background that not though the roof prices like been quoted over £1000

[@lauraholmes9353]

Instead of filter socks, I wonder if the rollermat would be great for a discus tank, taking out the food and waste before it has a chance to rot. Filter socks need to be swapped every 3 days to be effective, and I tend to leave my tanks alone for weeks at a time... Some people who have put rollermat devices into their reefs find they sometimes take out too many nutrients, but with discus the lower the nitrates the better.

[@AquariumAdventures]

Probably be great - I'll need to try it one day!

[@robertdougles512]

Hello i have a 180 gallon tank with a sump. i was thinking about trying to change from a sump to a filter because i was tired of adding water to my sump every 4/5 a week lol but my question is th white floss were did you buy that from please because i think i'm paying to much i get the pink one. so can you please advise me on to keep the sump or change. thanx

[@AquariumAdventures]

The white floss I use is basically pillow stuffing - just get the stuff that isn't treated in any way. Re adding water - changing from a sump to a canister filter won't make much difference. Cover the tank and the sump and it should minimise loss, but if you change to a different type of filter you'll just see the loss in the main tank instead.

[@stucody]

Hi, I have a tank with sump on order and can’t wait to get it up and running. Which Co2 system do you use in your sump?

[@AquariumAdventures]

I use the Sera CO2 reactor

[@stuartgreen7203]

Great to see a freshwater tank with a sump. Already planning my next FW tank, 5x2x2, with a full sump. Probably will be with an internal weir rather than an external overflow box. I think you may have been the first person I’ve seen talk about, even if not working, an ATO system. I installed one on my tank a few months ago, great idea in the hotter months as I don’t need to top off every 3 days. Really wish more FW people could see the advantages of sumps, from actual size increase over a canister to hiding all the equipment and cables away. You mentioned a C02 reactor on its own pump. Was this homemade or something bought? Would like to see more information on this side if possible as it’s one element I haven’t given much thought yet.

[@AquariumAdventures]

I talk about it in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4ioZ6Kag9x6mKs

[@stuartgreen7203]

Aquarium Adventures thanks for the link, I did wonder if it was the Sera reactor.

[@byronbenicio7853]

sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost my password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

[@waltermajor779]

@Byron Benicio instablaster ;)

[@byronbenicio7853]

@Walter Major I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@philipwatts9033]

6x2x2 I run on two canister filters . I don’t understand the benefit of a sump

[@kerndeath]

I’ve just got a 375 litre tank with a sump system ….. the sump is 70 litres . It’s going to be afresh water set up,,, what size pump flow will I need in your opinion, and any you recommend….. many thanks

[@AquariumAdventures]

I recommend the Jeabo DC pumps - very quiet and efficient, something like this - amzn.to/34qt6Uu As to what size, you need to decide what turnover of tank volume you want, and size appropriately. It makes sense to get one a little bigger than you need and dial the power back a little.

[@jonathangarza4622]

I still don’t understand the sump and what to buy.

[@jonbennett4159]

Great vid as usual. Your main pads upright as apossed to flat .do you notice any difference? 👍🐡

[@AquariumAdventures]

I can't prove it but I feel like it helps the water flow through, rather than over them that way.

[@jonbennett4159]

@@AquariumAdventures Thanks.only seen one other pad set up like that cory@aquariun coop but he put filter floss in between. Was on his massive tank.will certainly use This when my tank is finally finished.👍🐡

[@jbell4255]

Really interesting and informative to see an in-depth practical use of a sump. I'd love to use one, unfortunately just don't have space under a tank for one. One concern with the filter floss though, is it made of spun plastic? If it is, then it's questionable whether throwing it away on a weekly basis is environmentally the right thing to do. It's just adding unnecessary plastic into the environment. Is there perhaps a cotton or wool based alternative? Keep up with the great vids, really enjoy seeing them.

[@pekitivey]

Interesting point. When I go fishing and I change the fishing gut on my reels I usually burn it so not to let plastic get into the eco system. Still bad I know, but I think it's the better of two evils. Maybe you could dry this stuff out and burn it?

[@AquariumAdventures]

Thats a good point - i'll look into it.

[@jbell4255]

@@pekitivey That would certainly avoid anything getting caught up in discarded line, though still releases noxious chemicals/gas into the environment. Probably is lesser of two evils, but I cant think of a better solution really. Regarding the plastic filter floss, best to use something else rather than burn it or throw it out. I don't know if it could be recycled, but it seems doubtful.

[@jonbennett4159]

Wish advertise a cotton pad .have not bought or used it.👍🐡

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Hi there mate cool :D anyone else like the sump filter?:D

[@TheAlasse01]

Can I ask if you have a one way none return valve on your hose connected to your return pump? So in the event of a power cut etc your tank doesn’t Bk syphon and flood your sump/room. Does said valve have a shut off switch so you can detach the pump to use during water changes say? Or is said valve you could add aswell the none return valve? Thanks

[@AquariumAdventures]

I don't have any such valve. The return outlet is at the top of the tank so in the event of a failure only a small amount of water would back siphon, and there is plenty of capacity in the sump to handle it.

[@devinross8071]

It stresses me out that your sump is set up right to left 😅 subscribed

[@rodbrittain6772]

Maybe it’s related to that British thing about driving on the wrong side of the road

[@ianjames8794]

Wow. Good video. But I'll stick to my fx6's. Sumps seem complicated to me. 😔

[@AquariumAdventures]

Nah - it's dead easy!

[@owlsailing6496]

Canister is trash and complicated and has shitty performance

[@mantisrl9896]

Yeah this is far too complicated for me 😂 still watched it all as it was very interesting, as are all your videos but aye, I'll stick with cleaning my canister every month or so.

[@AquariumAdventures]

They're not for everyone - but not that complicated either. I must just be bad at explaining it!

[@timothywheaton9867]

Is this an me aquarium if not where did you get it made too ?

[@AquariumAdventures]

Hi - Its a custom build from Fit Filtration in Sheffield

[@semisuccessfulreefer220]

I'm a reefer and a discus guy so not having a sump is very difficult for me....nothing but benefits!

[@AquariumAdventures]

Yes, I think they are great too!

[@loopba]

Never understood lack of sumps as default on freshwater

[@jimhart84]

Sponges can be both mechanical and cheap biological filters

[@AquariumAdventures]

Yep 👍

[@binky2301]

I almost went for a sump in my 60x24x24 tank but I decided against it as I needed the storage underneath.

[@AquariumAdventures]

They don't work for every situation that is true 👍

[@binky2301]

@@AquariumAdventures I run 2 12l JBL 1502 cannisters instead, with APS pre-filters so the 1502s are just filled with biomedia.

[@matthewhenderson558]

Im looking to build a sump for my aquaoak 350 doors aquarium im thinking of drilling the intake and outake high in the back of the tank then putting in bulkheads attached to pipework What bulkheads and what mm piping should i use it should be 350 litre for the tank and 150 litre for the sump

[@AquariumAdventures]

You're mainly matching pipework to the amount of water you want to move - so lets say you want 10x display tank volume - 3500 lph. On a gravity system a 32mm pipe would give you some overhead. I always think bigger is better, then dial it back and fine tune with a valve.

[@matthewhenderson558]

@@AquariumAdventures so 32mm is not enough

[@AquariumAdventures]

No, I think you should be fine with 32mm

[@charliechalkie6351]

Hi could you tell me we're you our purchased your racks in your fish room please and the make thanks

[@AquariumAdventures]

I got them from 'BigDug'

[@charliechalkie6351]

@@AquariumAdventures thank you so much,my partner is making me a shrimp studio and I watch your videos and remember you purchasing some.Love your videos and content.Thank you for taking the time to reply to me and stay safex

[@ZomBeeNature]

This is so involved and complicated that you would have an easier time diverting your nearest river thru your fish tank. 🙃

[@pekitivey]

That's actually an interesting concept....... 😂😂😂

[@AquariumAdventures]

My nearest river is actually only about 50 feet away - future project maybe! 🤔

[@pekitivey]

@@AquariumAdventures could keep some brown trout! Or maybe some dace or roach 🧐

[@ZomBeeNature]

@@AquariumAdventures Your Future Episode: "Salmon Spawning In My Hallway"

[@jmass1100]

The hardest part of a sump is planning your plumbing to and from your sump after that it’s just fine tuning.

[@jamiemullen8141]

Still slowly catching up.

[@jimcarnese2974]

#AA10K

[@WhatOfFox]

⚠️⚠️Electricity cables on the sum it's not good, you can have a big circuit explosion because of evaporation⚠️⚠️⚠️

[@usernumbr32]

y u far away from the tank bruh i can’t see dat

[@zeeinajar]

I have been considering buying a new aquarium that comes with a sump but this has scared me 😂

[@AquariumAdventures]

Oh no! I'm just bad at explaining - it's not that complicated!!

[@zeeinajar]

@@AquariumAdventures I think you explained it quite well, I'm just worried about getting the media wrong and after a filter leaking on me I'm just really concerned about it overflowing 😂

[@owlsailing6496]

Thank lord. America is still in Stone Age in fish keeping. People here still try to compare canisters, HOB and sponge filters. Please help. I can’t even find a place to customize my sump and tank!

[@annalee7403]

Sumps rock! Do you mind if I ask if that is a manufactured sump or one you made yourself? Either way, it's a beauty.

[@AquariumAdventures]

Hi - It is a custom built tank & sump. Made by Fit Filtration is Sheffield

[@annalee7403]

@@AquariumAdventures Thank you.

[@LR-jl7rp]

Thanks for the info mate, but I don't think your Discus like you lol

[@shaicehaldyn5598]

a lot of empty spaces.

[@mandymoore5774]

Can we get to the actual filtration already? These guides w all the nonsense chats piss me off.

[@timothywheaton9867]

Could you just put in all the heaters in a sump because I’m getting a 180 gallon and I don’t think 2 300 Fluval heaters in the sump is going to be good enough to heat the whole tank up also love the video ❤

[@AquariumAdventures]

Yep, stick them in the sump - one of the best things about a sump is ability to hide all of your equipment and get it out of the display tank.