Have a sump - dont know what to do with it.

[ChrissyTina62]

I recently acquired a tank and sump set up from a friend. its a 55 gallon corner unit. I haven't had a salt water tank in about 10 years, so i have to re learn this all. However 10 years ago i did not have a sump and have no idea what to do with one.
I have been trying to do some research online and the sump set ups I have seen don't seem to look like the one I have, so I'm wondering what I do need and what I don't need with what I have here.
I have find diagrams online of how to BUILD a sump, but not what to put where, such as heater, live rock, sand, and what not so i make sure i have the right things in the right places.

I'm putting in a picture of what is under the tank, If anyone can help enlighten me as to what to do with it please let me know.

My friend who I got this from is going to come help me hook some of it up in the next few weeks, however it looks like he has things in this sump that others don't.

any help is appreciated. If its not clear whats in this i can take another picture of all the components. The black cylinder on the left side he said is a type of filter, which had black/grey sand/gravel in it, however all the sand has been dumped out of it so now its empty and either needs to be replaced or refilled with sand/gravel

 

[caflyfisher]

Hello. What a fun project you have taken on. If you could post a pic or 2 of all the components out of the sump (not the egg crate) as well as what the plumbing looks like in the main tank that may be helpful.

:smile:

 

[ChrissyTina62]

Thanks for the help, here are more pictures. first the sump after i took out all the equipment. Second the hooks ups at the bottom of the tank. third all the equipment stuffed in the sump, fourth the top of the rock where the water will go back in the tank, and lastly the front of the tank view

you cant see any plumbing in the tank, its been covered up by some rock, which he tells me should turn in to live rock once the tank is up and running and other live rock is put in the tank.

 

[ChrissyTina62]

Oh and I have a bag of small pieces of rock - that used to be live rock - which he had between the blue and white grates. I took them out when i cleaned up the tank but still have them

 

[Reefing Madness]

Nice, lets get it fired up now!! :xd:

Im taking a stab and say the black cylinder is a De-Nitrator, and uses and very low gph pump, they don't need much as they only run about 3-4 drips per second.
I'd be removing the blue tray, and put the skimmer in the middle section, as I don' tknow how big that thing is, but by sight, not really big enough on the right side to hold a skimmer there. Thats where your return pump is going.

 

[Small triggers]

I agree with taking out the blue plate and the white egg rate..(though depending on your skimmer you may need to put it n something depending on the water height you end up with in the middle...
Also,,, the first section where the water comes in you will need some kind of filter material, floss or if you can put an elbow in the pipe (I'd just slip it in not glue it) and use a filter sock...that will help keep detritus down inside of it...here's a picture of ow I repurposed my same wet/dry bio ball filter (which is what you have there)

 

[Small triggers]

The pump you see hanging on the front right is for my ato, which is the extra tank beside it...

 

[Reefing Madness]

Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

 

[ChrissyTina62]

Great thanks - this is all great info.

I was thinking about taking out the white and blue grates because from what I have seen on the internet no other sumps seem to have these.

if the black cylinder is a De-Nitrator do i need it as all of the sand/gravel is no longer in it?

Do i need other components? I need a heater, but what else?

thank you small triggers for the picture its very helpful.

sorry again for my ignorance!

 

[Flamed_Razor]

A sump is pretty much where you hide all your equipment you don't want to see on your main tank. With that said you put a protein skimmer, heater, and and return pump. That is all I have in my tank at the moment. I've seen other sumps have refugium, lighting

 

[ChrissyTina62]

Thanks Flamed Razor!

I wanted to make sure I set it up right I appreciate the help!

 

[Small triggers]

Yes a heater, jäger makes one of the best...cobalt is good too...
A powerhead for inside the tank for extra flow...
A skimmer for in the sump (make sure to measure so it will fit)
And a temp sensor...
And additional items you may want are an Auto top off (ato) to add water as it evaporates....