KafudaFish
08/30/2008, 08:09 PM
I realize this and "Which lights ....?" are the most asked questions but I need help on this please.
Background:
Almost 2 yo 29 gallon mantis tank on an open metal stand without a sump. The clearance between the display tank and the bottom shelf is maybe 24". I could could put a sump in but that would mean drilling the DT, buying the equipment such as drill bits, bulkhead, plumbing and a return pump. Also I would have to either build a new stand to hide it or build a shell to cover it because of a 2 yo who is into everything. I have even found a toy or 2 in the tanks before.
I have looked at Tunze 9002, BM 100 and their in-tank skimmer but wonder how it would work, the Octo NW 110 and doing a DIY.
The easiest would be the Tunze and I would spend the money on a PH instead of a return pump. The BM should work as well but would have to be in a sump. The Octo is cheap right now and could be modded. A DIY would also be cheap but I would need help with pump selection.
So which would you choose? Is there another choice? I would like to keep equipment budget under $200. This would not include the stand because my FIL always builds my stands and pays for the wood. It would just take a long time due to work for him to build one.
Thanks.
Background:
Almost 2 yo 29 gallon mantis tank on an open metal stand without a sump. The clearance between the display tank and the bottom shelf is maybe 24". I could could put a sump in but that would mean drilling the DT, buying the equipment such as drill bits, bulkhead, plumbing and a return pump. Also I would have to either build a new stand to hide it or build a shell to cover it because of a 2 yo who is into everything. I have even found a toy or 2 in the tanks before.
I have looked at Tunze 9002, BM 100 and their in-tank skimmer but wonder how it would work, the Octo NW 110 and doing a DIY.
The easiest would be the Tunze and I would spend the money on a PH instead of a return pump. The BM should work as well but would have to be in a sump. The Octo is cheap right now and could be modded. A DIY would also be cheap but I would need help with pump selection.
So which would you choose? Is there another choice? I would like to keep equipment budget under $200. This would not include the stand because my FIL always builds my stands and pays for the wood. It would just take a long time due to work for him to build one.
Thanks.