Adding a sump to existing tank

JOKER · Mar 16, 2013

I am planning to add a sump to an existing tank that has been running for several years. It has been running on a cannister filter. Should i run the cannister filter in the sump for a little while to give the bacteria a jump start or should i just start the sump and let it go??

JOKER · Mar 16, 2013

The tank is a 37 gallon cube tank and i am adding a 10 gallon sump. Planning first chamber skimmer, then fuge, then return.

Dowtish · Mar 16, 2013

No need to add the canister, unless you were relying solely on it for bacterial filtration. I'm assuming you have live rock in the tank, that will be enough. I added a sump to an existing tank, and just did the plumbing and let it rock n roll.

JOKER · Mar 16, 2013

Cool. The tank has 60 or so pounds of live rock i am guessing.

AirAngel · Mar 16, 2013

JOKER said:
The tank is a 37 gallon cube tank and i am adding a 10 gallon sump. Planning first chamber skimmer, then fuge, then return.

Thats a small sump to be planning on adding a skimmer and a fuge. You should go as large as possible to increase you water volume, esp with all that rock displacing water.

JOKER · Mar 17, 2013

Well the room is limited underneath. Only have like 22"x14" max. Im running a seaclone hob skimmer that can be ran in a sump. I only need like 5" for it. I guess i could build one and make it deep to get more water.

islander84 · Mar 17, 2013

Make sure the water that you add to your sump has the same params as your DT or you will shock your system. Temp, alk, ca, mg most important!

JOKER · Mar 26, 2013

Ok so here are pics of the testing stage. Skimmer is back on the tank, takes up too much room. Have to add my baffles now and ready to go. Also have to get a light (what light is recommended). Had a ball valve on overflow but it slowed the flow too much. now i can regulate by closing valve on pump, later going to add a t i think unless works good like it is.