First time sump design-mech filtration???

Firthy13 · Feb 1, 2019

I am starting at 220G build and an in the process of designing my sump. The sump will be 48"x24"x18"h. I have my skimmer, fuge, return and RO sections sorted but an struggling with what, if any, provisions i need to make to allow for mechanical filtration.
I orginally had a section that overflowed from the drains on to a plate that would hold 3x 4"filter sock with the plan to change them every 3 days. Then i saw the clarisea gen2 roller mat and loved the concept but after a bit of research, unsure of the reliability and on going cost. Then there is no mech filtration at all.
Its the only part of my build design holding up progress. I cant decide.
I have an understanding of the pros and cons of each method but without first hand experience i am struggling to make the right choice.

A bit if background on the tank plans
6x2.5wx2h, sps dominate minimalist reef with a bare bottom. Will be running a RO regal 200-INT skimmer with GFO, Carbon and a large fuge.

Any advice from some experienced reefers would be much appreciated!

P-Dub · Feb 1, 2019

Firthy13 said:
I am starting at 220G build and an in the process of designing my sump. The sump will be 48"x24"x18"h. I have my skimmer, fuge, return and RO sections sorted but an struggling with what, if any, provisions i need to make to allow for mechanical filtration.
I orginally had a section that overflowed from the drains on to a plate that would hold 3x 4"filter sock with the plan to change them every 3 days. Then i saw the clarisea gen2 roller mat and loved the concept but after a bit of research, unsure of the reliability and on going cost. Then there is no mech filtration at all.
Its the only part of my build design holding up progress. I cant decide.
I have an understanding of the pros and cons of each method but without first hand experience i am struggling to make the right choice.

A bit if background on the tank plans
6x2.5wx2h, sps dominate minimalist reef with a bare bottom. Will be running a RO regal 200-INT skimmer with GFO, Carbon and a large fuge.

Any advice from some experienced reefers would be much appreciated!

In my opinion, it is always wise to have mechanical filtration at the drain to sump. I think your idea of filter socks is the best way. I personally like the mesh filter bags. They don't clog as quickly and still do a good enough job getting the majority of the particulate. I now use one floss and one mesh sock. With this setup, anything making it past gets gobbled up by the skimmer and is utilized in the refugium, As well, when I want to run without socks for any reason, like going on vacation, I can. With the socks, whatever material you use, you have choices for options and options that are easy on the pocketbook.

Fin · Feb 1, 2019

I have always used the mesh socks. They are washable and reusable for a long time and will not require replacing a spool of filter material - that may not always be in stock, or may be discontinued in the future. If you want some flexibility, make your sock plate like you planned and either use socks, or the sock replacement cups. With the cups, you can add whatever disposable media that you want. You can switch from the cups back to socks in seconds. This is what the ones I got look like. These particular ones are made by Anything Acrylic out of Australia, but I believe they can be found here now.