Need pushed.

Ok I am sure this has been discussed a hundred times. My tanks are for sale and I am looking for new one and bigger. Leaning toward a 220 drilled. Had a tank 125 with a canister filter no problems. Have been reading about sumps and stuff my concerns are I won't be having a automatic top off and with the open canopy I will need like 4-5 gallons a day replacement. How do I protect my equipment if I get stupid and forget to top.it off. My sump . would be under the tank so I want to make it bullet proof not looking forward to the potential floods. Like I said I need a shove. As always thanks in advance.

 

Sounds pretty simple from what I'm reading. Just get an auto top off for your sump. There are plenty to choose from that are reliable. Im going with autotopoff.com, they have ones you can mount on your tank or in your sump, plus they've had good reviews in the past.

 

That's the thing I will not have one.

 

you should change your mind. 4-5 gallons a day and if you forget a few days I wouldn't be worried about your equipment as much as the livestock. your sg will constantly be changing.

 

That is why I am staying with my 90 gallon. 1 gallon top off a day, no problem. 4-5 gallons a day, big problem.

 

If I don't have a sump it would only be 2 gallons a day. The sump which is to solve all of my problems also adds to it. I am not arguing and I am great full for all of the help just looking for a better solution than an ATO because I don't see that happening.

 

Why are you against top offs?
a 220 without a sump just seems silly to me.

 

Seconded. For a whole host of reasons an ATO is a must on a large aquarium. If I were to rank "must-have" equipment, it would be right behind water flow, lights and the skimmer.

Elaborate as to why you're against an ATO - a number of us have used them for years (decades) and can give advice.

 

Ok let's sorta back up the top needs a source of water I don't think I have room for all of that and the head aches that the top off can cause. Maybe I just need to see some more pictures and a little more research and then we will see. Thanks again.

 

Well I think questions that should be asked are

1) where is the main tank going to be? In finished basement (if you have 1), on the main floor?

2) Do you have a basement at all?

3) where are you intending on putting the sump? In the stand? In a basement with DT on main floor?

4) if under the stand how big of a sump and how tall will the stand be?

So basically what is your overall plan?