pump or filter

[ghutch0203]

Im in the process of gathering materials for a 55gal vivarium and just wanted to see what everyone thought. I will be making a water feature coming down the back wall and flowing out a stream bed. My question is Should i go with a pump to do this and let the substrate filter the water naturally or could i double purpose a canister filter and have the return line supply my water feature? Any and all suggestions will be pondered upon!

[HeavyW]

Im just new here so take what I say very loosely lol

I was thinking the same thing. What made me want to go with the filter was a combination of a few things. First I didnt want to make a drain , and no matter what substrate you have, with animals, I think at some point it would have to be cleaned and not just drained. I want to leave my viv alone, and have the lowest maintenance possible. With the canister filter, a few things are accomplished. You wont need a drain, your water can be cleaned, filtered, and even switched out for new with ease. The only draw back is having to put the canister somewhere,but, I still find that easier then creating a cover inside your viv to access the pump and making a draining area.

So my opinion, go with the filter to make life easier and keep the viv untouched as much possible. We will see what the pros have to say, but after thinking this through, the canister in my eyes was the most sensible. Once I get into this hobby a bit more, maybe some better options might open up for me, but being new, this seemed like the best

Im going with the Zoo med 501. Cheap price, small..and with only 3" on water on my floor, I think it will definitely do the trick.

Good luck on your build, Post pics!!!!

[Ausfrog]

The canister filter is going to keep your water much cleaner. Will come down to whether or not you want to keep everything internal or external.
Only problem with internal pumps from my experience is that they can tend to get clogged relatively quickly and become a pain to always get back into were the pump is to clean it out.

[ghutch0203]

Originally Posted by HeavyW

So my opinion, go with the filter to make life easier and keep the viv untouched as much possible. We will see what the pros have to say, but after thinking this through, the canister in my eyes was the most sensible. Once I get into this hobby a bit more, maybe some better options might open up for me, but being new, this seemed like the best

My thoughts exactly. The less i have to mess around in there the better off ill be. I am going to photo the build as i go then post the whole journal when im done. And Ausfrog I was thinking about that to. Having to pull that thing out every time it clogs. Hmmm...Im thinking canister filter.

[HeavyW]

awesome man, cant wait to see the pictures. I am starting my build very soon with pics as well. Might start tomorrow, depends if I can make up my mind on having a waterfall or not, lol

Do you know which pump your gonna go with?

[ghutch0203]

Not real sure yet. I have looked at the zoo med 501 and i think its a 511? But may need something a little bigger. If i go with the water feature im thinking about and where i wanna put the tank i would have to push the water back up 4 feet from where filter would sit to the tank.

[beckdg]

wet/dry or sump... accomplishes everything you guys are talking about, probably better since you can increase the volume of water and media significantly with the same flow and will be much easier to maintain since you won't have to move it to open it to access the media and change the water.

[Saviorself]

I would think sump would be good if your tank is already drilled. If you don't mind running tubes into the viv something like a Rena canister filter with a valve coming off the outlet to adjust flow would be great. Plenty of room for foam filters and filter floss to polish up the water. Sump is great however in that you can stuff any heaters pumps etc under the tank.