This is a *BIG IMPROVEMENT!*

Let's talk about a recent overdue improvement to my DIY Sump Filter on my 210 gallon South and Central American Cichlid tank. Let's get into it along with another recent change to my 29 gallon quarantine / hospital tank.
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Copyright protected music used with permission:
EpidemicSound.com
Remember that fish keeping is truly a fluid situation and what works for one set-up might not work for another. Do plenty of research gathering information from several reliable sources before making any changes in your aquarium.
How to Support the Channel, Fish Room Expansion and Future Content Creation:
Some of you have asked for a way to support the channel. I thank you for asking. Here are a couple ways you can help to keep the content coming:
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Live Streaming
Join me and a great group of fish keepers on Saturday's at 11am Central (that's 9am Pacific / Noon Eastern) for The Cichlids & Coffee live stream. It's a great hour of fish fun and gets into everything from setting up a tank, filtration, fish selection and everything in between. I hope to see you there.
Thank you to key vendors that have helped with my new fish room including:
Josh at Cunningham Tropicals, a provider of quality fish and dry goods at
cunninghamtropicals.com (see discount codes below).
Aquarium Co-Op, a top provider of both products and knowledge for all types of fish keepers.
Visit the Co-Op at: aquariumcoop.com
Sera Aquarium Products - See their line here: www.sera.de/us
NorthFin Fish Food available here:
keepfishkeeping.com/collectio...
Sicce, a top quality manufacturer of aquarium pumps and filters.
Hygger/AQQA makers of a variety of aquarium products such as lights, pumps and heaters.
Underwater Galleries, makers of the most beautiful ceramic caves available.
Xpertmatic, maker of good quality internal filters and air pumps.
Many of these products are listed in my Amazon Affiliate store at:
amazon.com/shop/benochart
For a behind the scenes look and access to photos and videos not posted anywhere else, please follow me on Instagram at: ben.o.cichlid
If you're looking for a very helpful, knowledgeable and supportive group, check out the Ben O'Cichlid group on Facebook. Cichlid is in the name but all types of fish keepers are welcome. Be sure to answer all the join-in questions or the group moderators will not let you in. It's how we keep the trolls out.
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Check out CunninghamTropicals.com and use discount codes: BenO15 for 15% off on all fish orders and *BenO10_ for 10% on dry goods like food. Discounts do not apply to shipping and are subject to cancellation or change at any time.
Thank you for the on-going support and encouragement!
Never forget - YOU ROCK!

[@martingranzow6624]

I loved the pun "Floating around in the fish community"

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎 🇺🇸Happy Independence day!🇺🇸

[@markfranklin8831]

Always great advice. Thanks for sharing

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

Make sure your ATO reservoir is large enough so it does not run dry and require frequent replenishment with water I have a 15 gallon reservoir servicing my 340 and 500 gallon sumps. Still needs to be refilled about every 10 days

[@jaymilo8425]

Looks good Ben😊. Do you have a diy video or could you link one with how you did your sump or who you learned from please.

[@BenOchart]

The most recent videos might help:
ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoDqjZiWozK49-rqec9NxVcb.html&si=-IxoHf6r0KXmuxys

[@edpereira1908]

You could use and ATO with an optical sensor like they do in the saltwater world like the one from Tunze and I think Hygger even has an ATO.

[@davidcommerford7766]

Ben, tell us about anticloramine with a top off?

[@BenOchart]

The water added to the ATO is treated with conditioner that neutralizes chloramine.

[@DiscusNT]

Make covers ?

[@cding2172]

@@DiscusNT I have a sump the same size with covers and almost no evaporation. Covers should be first and foremost.

[@BenOchart]

I have some evap plastic covers that can be cut to size. I might just cover a part of the sump.

[@BenOchart]

First, ahead of pumps, plumbing and media??? 😉

[@cding2172]

I use plexiglass cut in 3 pieces. One on the left of the intake pipes (with cut outs). Same on the right side to the return plumbing (again with cut outs for plumbing). Then one in the centre. This full covers the sump and is easily removable and almost eliminates evaporation. Can I send a picture?