20G Nano sump filtration

[Thatdude156]

Hey y’all, back for another newb question. I’ve got my 20G long DT running on a 10G sump. Currently I have no skimmer or refugium. Only baffles and a bubble trap with sponge traps.

So based on what I read many ppl don’t see it as a requirement to run skimmers on a nano tank as long as water changes are done. Is it necessary or can I add some type of media to the sump to grow bacteria and run effectively?

 

[Quietman]

There are almost as many answers to this as there are people on here. Short answer nothing is 'necessary' as long as your managing nutrients, temp, salinity and alkalinity/calcium within the right parameters for the livestock you want to maintain. Some would throw in toxins as well depending if you have a lot of softies. Media for bacteria growth generally isn't needed unless you're using that as primary nutrient control (bio pellets).

That said, there are generally agreed equipment that makes your chances for success much higher initially. Skimmer, GAC, phosphate media, and alk/ca additives. But then again, if you're doing large water changes weekly and do not have high demand corals - you can skip some or all of that list.

 

[ArielUnderwater]

Media!! I like Brightwells substrate, but you could use blocks, rings, or balls. Any thing with lots of surface area. If you have a sump I would 100% put a skimmer in there and up your nutrient removal. I also like to run chemipure, I use elite, but really it's choose your own adventure, and I wouldn't run it if I had a sump, because I would have a skimmer.

 

[Cnidoblast]

You can also run algae in your sump

for bacteria i have used this in the past