Sumps or Trickle

[p2kmon]

I'm still fairly new at the aquarium thing. I would like to try my hand at a few DIY projects and have some questions.

I now have a Ehiem Canister filter for my 55 gal, and would like to get a bit more filtration, I used to have to do a tank change once a week before, now about every two or so weeks. I would like something to help take that time down a little bit further.

I do not fully understand the difference between the sump and the trickle filter.  What is the big difference in helping to keep the tank clean.

Also I am looking at going to saltwater in the future, but for now have a large pacu and a large oscar that I need to keep the tanks clean.  I was wondering if a skimmer would help, or does that only help in the saltwater tanks.

Please let me know, I've only been doing this for about 2 or less years, have had to learn so hard mistakes and want to keep my fish healthy and happy.

Thanks,

P2kmon

 

[Avalon]

A trickle filter is good, but a fluidized bed filter is better. The advantages of using these types of filter are the immense numbers of bacteria that colonizes the media. The goal of each is to be able to grow the bacteria colonies in large numbers, but the differences between them is efficiency. A fluidized bed filter operates at 100% efficiency, while the trickle filter operates at a considerably lower efficiency. The reason for this is that the water does not come into contact with 100% of the bacteria. In other words, a trickle filter does not use all of its surface area to colonize bacteria, whereas a fluidized bed does. If you choose this route, make sure you have it plugged into an uniterruptible pwer supply. It goes out for 30 minutes and you lose about 30% of your bacteria. After 24-30 hours, the bacterial colony will be completely dead.

A sump is not necessary for a freshwater aquarium, although they are ideal for a saltwater set-up. If you have the cash, Oceanic makes some very nice sumps. Sumps are also very expensive; this is the main reason why no one uses them for a freshwater set-up. Besides, they aren't neccesary either when a good cannister filter is about all you need.

 

[dattack]

You can make a sump for $10 bucks.  All you need is an overflow box which cost at cheapest $30.