Help with Overflow and Sump.

[KG Reef]

I am starting up a 75 gallon I had going over 10 years ago. I need a little help with the drain into the Sump. I have bought new equipment (light, return pump, heater, heater controller) and dry rock. I ran a fish-less cycle and the tank is just ready for a fish and some CUC. I added in a sponge just before the return pump to cut down on the micro bubbles and put a filter sock in a few days ago to get some of the dust and stuff after the water change and clean. This brought me to my problem before with this sump, I hated changing the filter sock every few days. I want to upgrade this sump at some point but I can not right now and would like some advice on the drain to the sump. I have a HOB overflow system and use the flex pipe you see in the picture. I currently have to almost completely remove the flex pipe to change that sock. I ordered some smaller socks to make it a bit easier but wonder if you all look at this sump is there a way I can change that. I ran a refugium in the center section before with some chaeto with great success and planned on doing that again. I was wondering if there is a way to cut the top and transform that first section to a more efficient way of running and changing socks. A lot of sumps now the hose does not go directly in the sock and it overflows into it from the top. Second option is just dump the socks from every day use and only use on major clean days. But then the return in that section has a lot of turbulence and air in it. Should I worry about that or is there a way to diffuse it a bit. I already plan on PVC for the return to Display tank with a short section of flex hose so I have not trouble redoing the plumbing for the overflow.

I will start a build thread in a few days and put some more info about the whole setup but would love some advice on the sump please. I want to get this squared away before I even think of adding livestock.

 

[WIReefer]

Personally if you want to run filter socks I would invest in a new sump or try and find one used that may be your best option.

 

[KG Reef]

Thank you. I did not consider looking at a used sump. I will look around. Thanks for the info.

 

[Jimmyneptune]

You could use a filter sock that has a strap on it. Have the strap go over the open end of the bag. You can use a section of pvc through the strap your drain pie into the bag and support each end of the pvc on the sump.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Socks usually sit within a hole for support. There are sock holders available but with the present sump there is no edge to place them on.

 

[laverda]

You could make a shallow box with an opening for the sock to sit down in it, then have the water flow from the compartment on the right into it and through the sock. It may help to raise the compartment on the right. I would use weld-on to make the box and attach it to your sump.

 

[KG Reef]

That is a great idea. I may make it go higher on the right side and then I can add a small section in the middle to overflow into 2 small socks. Thanks for all the help everyone. That will leave me a small refugium section. at least until I can buy a new sump.