I've been using powerhead filtration for quite so time and I feel that the sheer force of the powerhead does provide excellent filtration for nearly any tank size as long as it is correctly setup.

But I also read that the huge surface area provided by the sump filter for bacteria growth will be able to purify the water effectively.

So I am thinking of creating a sump filter for my tank. But I want to know if it is really better than powerhead filters because frankly speaking, my powerheads have been churning out sparkling water for my tank from day 1 till now. So unless the sump filter is better than my powerhead, I do not intend to switch over. So what do you guys think?

Wet/dry trickle filters are by far the most efficient type of biological filtration. HOB or canister filters can't come close to holding the amount of biological media contained in normal wet/dry trickle filter. The wet/dry filter on my 90ga. aquarium contains 9 gallons of bio-balls, divided between the overflow box and the trickle section in the sump. A large canister filter might be able to hold a quart to a guart and a half of biological media.

Here's a good article about sumps.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/

Filter right side


Filter left side

Yes, wet/drys do have the most biological filtration but are lacking in mechanical filtering. I would recommend a hob with activated carbon to go with one.

Or do you mean one where you have a smaller tank placed above that's been heavily planted and the water running down from it?

Wow Bak2it, that's a pretty impressive filter!

Thank You No$$$, Those photos are of the filter on my 90ga goldfish tank. It's kind of hard to see in those photos but the filter also has a 25 watt Aqua UV sterilizer that's mounted behind the sump and modular filter. The filter keeps the water so clean that you literally can't see the water in the tank, my goldfish look like they're swimming in air.

Rick