Salt water filter design help

[Johnnyv49]

I am converting my 150 gallon tank to saltwater. I currently have a 55 gallon tank in the bottom for the sump. It is broken into different sections. First is where the pipes dump in, then overflows to a second chamber with some heavy duty matting for mechanical filtration. Then under a wall to rise up through lava rock for biological. It then goes through another set of compartments for any other types i wanted to add (carbon, phosguard etc). Ill have to figure out a way to reroute the pipes slightly so that they can drop into bags for filtration. Unless i can still use the matting like it is. What is the best way for me to design the sump?

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

I would remove the baffle between the two misc parts to incorporate a refugium. I know very little about sump design sadly. I do know lava rock isn't fantastic at harboring bacteria. Did you perhaps mean live rock?

 

[Johnnyv49]

thanks, im removing the lava rock. I works for fresh but questionable for salt.

 

[flampton]

Yeah I would consider a skimmer and then design a compartment for that as well

 

[Johnnyv49]

what exactly is a refugium? Ive read about it but what is it that you actually grow there?

 

[Clownfish_Boy]

Use an Eshopps filter sock for mechanical filtration. It is easily removed and cleaned.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Refugiums are typically filled with a macro algae like chaeto and a grow light. This allows for the uptake of phosphates and nitrates.