Is sump tank setup suitable for planted tank?

[Samuel2618]

Dear all,

I am intending to buy a 422 cabinet tank and use it for a planted tank.. But I heard from someone before that it is not recommended to use a sump tank but cannister filter instead cause the current might be rather big.. Is that true?

Am I able to buy a smaller flow rate pump for the sump tank to reduce the current flow?

Regards
Samuel

[illumnae]

I believe one of the issues with a sump tank for planted use is that the high surface agitation created by the sump degasses CO2 considerably. For example, I was using ~4bps to achieve 30ppm co2 while at that time i think i remember someone using a sump tank needed ~10bps to achieve the same ppm of co2. Both were for 422 tanks.

I think one way to overcome this is to use an airtight cover over your sump tank so the CO2 doesn't escape but remains in the system.

In terms of flow, I don't think you need to worry much about it, as high flow rates are always appreciated in planted tanks (in my view anyway ). What's the flow rate of the pump? I use a 2400litre/hour canister (Fluval FX5) in my current 422 tank and find the flow just adequate. I'm worried about my next 422 as i'll only be using 2x Eheim 2028s. I believe recent tests conducted by Tom Barr show that high flow rate is needed to carry even levels of CO2 to all parts of the tank. He was using 10x turnover for his 180 gallon tank i think (got to check his forum to get the exact figures).

[AquaObsession]

Find a way to minimize water splash, and I think it should be okay.

I think over filtration is always good. On my 4*1.5*2 feet, i am running 2x 2028.

Amano himself has planted tank with overflow system.

Cheers, Christophe