Compare an aquarium sump below the tank with an integrated side filter. Check where the filtration sits, how you will service it and what is included before choosing a glass aquarium system.
Side overflow and side filter mean different things
A side overflow describes where water leaves the display. It can feed a separate sump in the cabinet. Our Side-Overflow aquarium range uses lower sump filtration.
An integrated side filter puts filtration chambers alongside the display within the tank assembly. Confirm the actual drawing: a product name alone does not tell you the chamber size or equipment included.
What changes when you choose a sump?
A sump is a separate filtration tank, commonly housed in the cabinet below the display. Water passes from the display through the drain arrangement into the sump, then a return pump sends it back. The important buying questions are the sump dimensions, cabinet access and plumbing layout.
An integrated side-filter design keeps its filtration chambers at display level. When comparing footprints, check whether the listed tank dimensions include those chambers and ask for the clear display dimensions. Also check how you will reach the media and pump from above.
Compare the two layouts before ordering
| Check | Cabinet sump | Integrated side filter |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration location | A separate tank below the display; confirm the cabinet's usable interior. | Chambers alongside the display; confirm the clear viewing and swimming area. |
| Routine access | Measure door openings and clearance above the sump for removing equipment. | Check reach from above and the clearance needed to lift out media or a pump. |
| Equipment fit | Request chamber dimensions, working water levels and the proposed equipment list. | Request the same details for the integrated chambers; do not judge fit from overall tank length. |
| Pipework | Confirm drain and return connections, pipe route and included fittings. | Confirm the internal flow path, return position and any external connections. |
| What sets the choice | Your required configuration, service space and approved system drawing. | Your required configuration, access from above and usable display space. |
Which Yipinlanhe aquariums use these arrangements?
- Arowana glass aquariums: matching cabinet and lower sump filtration.
- Side-Overflow glass aquariums: side overflow feeding lower sump filtration.
- E Series peninsula aquariums: end overflow, cabinet and sump, with matching drain and return plumbing in the package.
- Shallow Stream aquariums: discuss side filtration or a sump and confirm the option in your quotation.
Tank dimensions, cabinet finishes and the included equipment vary by configuration. Use the aquarium size and buying guide to compare display footprints, then confirm the filtration drawing for your selected model.
Six details to request with your quotation
- A layout drawing: display, overflow or filter chambers, sump and cabinet dimensions.
- Service openings: clear door width, clearance above equipment and the route for removing a pump.
- Water levels: intended operating levels and the provisions for water draining back when the return pump stops.
- Pump specification: proposed model and expected flow for the actual pipe route and lift height.
- An itemized package: tank, cabinet, sump or side-filter chambers, plumbing, pump, media, lighting and any other equipment.
- Commissioning instructions: filling, checking connections, normal operation and shutdown checks for the supplied system.
Use the instructions for the equipment actually supplied and have the completed installation checked before adding livestock. A generic litre or gallon figure does not establish the right pump, chamber arrangement or livestock capacity.
Common filtration questions
Does a larger sump always make a better aquarium?
Compare the proposed equipment, chamber arrangement and maintenance access as well as size. Ask the supplier to explain how the configuration suits your intended setup. An oversized component does not resolve an inaccessible cabinet or unsuitable pipe layout.
Is a sump included with every aquarium?
Check the itemized quotation. The E Series package includes its sump and matching plumbing; pumps and other equipment are included only when specified. Confirm the exact configuration for the other ranges.
Can I order a different sump or filter layout?
Send your tank dimensions, intended use, equipment requirements and service-space measurements. We can discuss the options through our custom and wholesale aquarium service before confirming the build.
How do I plan a three-sided display?
Place the overflow and service connections where they suit the intended viewing sides. Our peninsula vs wall aquarium guide explains the room-layout questions to settle first.
Ask for a filtration layout
Tell us the aquarium model or preferred dimensions, intended setup, equipment you want to include and delivery country with postcode or ZIP code.