Anyone using wet/dry for Cichlids?

[Hobbiest]

I am running a wet/dry filter on my 90 gallon tank. It is nice as there is approximately 20 extra gallons of water supplied by it. Also it helps with the bio load obvioulsy. But my only qualm is the space that it takes up. Maybe it's a fair trade off. Is anyone else running a wet/dry for Cichlids? What size tank and what kind of Cichlids? What's your opinion on it?

[mibwb]

I've been running a wet/dry on my Discus 90gal for years. IMO, keeps my water cleaner..I got the idea from a ray keeper. He said "It was the only thing he found that kept the water clean enough for rays". I like it because there is enough room in mine for heater, uv and extra media. I plan to add a fuge too...I figure why not...what works for salt maybe it'll work the same for fresh.

[Marty]

Once it's plumbed, a wet/dry is a great way to filter a tank.  You add water volume, additional surface area for beneficial bacteria, you oxygenate the water, and it's easier to remove and clean/replace filter pads.  You just have to make sure if you lose power, your sump won't overflow.

[mibwb]

Marty, since you chimed in on this...I think Tenchains wants to know if it's worth the space it takes up verses a smaller  area for a canister filter or taking up no cabinet space at all a HOB filter. Based on your explanation of what a wet/dry does and ease of use...is it worth it?  I believe it is, that's why I use one. Anyone else to reply....

[danielratti]

Sumps are well worth the extra they take up.  I have a 450 that I run one one and it is a life saver.  Just think at it this way with a sump all you do is change the filter pad with a canister you have to tear it all apart to clean it.

[kruuuzn]

I'm running a ProFlex sump under my 90 gallon Mbuna tank with 38 fish, pushing 1,100 GPH, and love it.
It's well worth the space to me. I actually designed the stand to fit this particular sump and pump set up.
It keeps my water crystal clean and with all the movement over the bio balls the water HAS to be oxygen saturated.
You can just glance at your sump and tell what's working and what isn't. What needs cleaning and what doesn't.
I just don't think I would be happy with a canister.

[Ron]

I'm made a DIY one and it's working well. I have a few pictures and a description here:
http://michigancichlid.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=5731.90

[mightieskeeper]

Just set my 110 up with a wet/dry.  If you are to filter a large tank, I would use no other filtration.  I have built wet/dry for little tanks too.  Besides Diy projects are very satisfying.  My new filter cost me $5 in Silicon.   

[Kulasik]

.  If you are to filter a large tank, I would use no other filtration.  I have built wet/dry for little tanks too.  Besides Diy projects are very satisfying.  My new filter cost me $5 in Silicon.
[/quote]

how small have you gone on the tank with a sump?

[mibwb]

People have them on nano cubes....3gal, 5gal

[kodyboy]

Best way to filter a tank IMO.  I much prefer drilled tanks to external overflows though.