cichlid and sump

[munki]

can i use a sump for filteration on a freshwater cichlid tank?
thanks.

[DaveK]

Generally you can use methods used in SW systems in FW systems and they work quite well. There are a couple of considerations.

In SW you would usually use live rock for the biological filtration. You don't have this available in FW, so another method of biological filtration much be used. Trickle filters, and other wet/dry filters work very well here.

With a few exceptions, skimming is not usually very effective in FW, so the biological filtration may need to be increased.

Keeping nitrates down usually involves water changes, or growing live plants. However, it's usually a waste of time and money to plant a cichlid tank, since they love to dig. Discus and FW angels may be an exception here.

[munki]

the reason i asked is because someone is selling a tank with a stand, but it comes with two sumps and if i did decide to buy it maybe i could just use the sump for filteration instead of going and purchasing another filter? i quickly looked at the set up this morning and i saw a sump under the tank filled with a bunch of blue bio balls, but i dont know if it comes with a pump. i dont know too much about sumps so im trying to do some research on how to use on and hook one up.

[DaveK]

The blue bio balls would indicate that the system has a trickle filter on it.

Actually this is just about ideal for cichlids. May are large, eat a lot,and produce a lot of waste. (Consider oscars) Trickle filters are excellent at converting ammonia -> nitrite -> nitrate. The reason you don't see them used more often in SW reef systems is that they are too good at this, and then all that nitrate needes to be dealt with. In FW it's easy, just make water changes, no expensive salt to purchase and mix.

BTW, if by cichlids you mean discus, the higher water quality maintained by trickle filtration can do wonders for them also. Since they are a bit on the delicate side, it may also be worth using RO/DI water with them, and adding some "discus salts" to the pure water. You shouldn't use RO/DI water for FW unless you put some minerals back into the water. Some people do stuff like use 20% tap water, and 80% RO/DI to get very soft water.

[munki]

its not a discus, but thank you. i have been reading a little bit and i read that you need a pump to power one. if it doesnt come with one how much would a regular pump cost and where could i get one?
-thanks again

[munki]

anyone?

[DaveK]

For a pump being used extrenally with a sump I prefer Iwaki pumps. They have been around for years, are rock solid, have parts generally available online, and are almost the "gold standard" for pumps on a reef system. They do tend to be a little more expensive.

You haven't mentioned how large a tank this is, so the pump size you need can't be determined. For an Iwaki pump, with a Japanese motor, expect to spend about $200 - $300.

There are also plenty of of the excellent pumps you can get and they usually cost somewhat less.

If it's a smaller system, an internal pump can be used. or those I'd used either an Eheim pump or an Supreme Mag pump. Price ranges on those are about $70 to $125.

Note - in the pricing examples I have left off the smaller pumps, as they are generally too small for a reef system. I have also left off the extremely large pumps because they are typically more than you would want.

Generally you are better of buying something like this online from a dealer on the net. You'll get the same thing at a much better price.

[2455coop]

Generally speaking you need a pump that can move the water in the top tank at least twice an hour ( I actually think 3 times is better). Don't forget to calculate the head pressure of ur pump. It usually says on the box. My pump is an internal...meaning it sits in the sump. And I have never had problems with it.

Remember if you have Central and South American cichlids...its best to have all 3 types of filteration. Biological, Mechanical, and Chemical.

An overflow will not get the waste that settles on the bottom. you will need a tank vacuum to remove that type of waste.

If it's a big tank...Get a breeding pair of Jags........or a Red Devil...lol...but don't add anything else