Sump Suggestions

[PorterK]

Hi guys! I have a couple of quick questions. I am building a sump this week and am unsure which types of media I should be using.

This sump is for a 55gal tank, the sump is about 15 gallons (I think, maybe 20).

Starting at the drain off for the tank I got a 4 in filter sock. In that same compartment I want to have my skimmer. In the next section I want to have some bio balls. Then it will go into the last section which is where the return pump is housed.

As far as the media reactors go I bought 2 and they arrived this morning. I want 1 to be a GFO reactor and the other to be a Chaeto reactor.

I am using this to replace a canister filter that I have on the tank right now, as I prepare to increase the bio-load and potentially add coral late this year / early next year. I'll leave them both running for the next month or 2 to build up the new sump.

Am I missing anything? Does anyone have any suggestions? And where should I put the pumps for the media reactors that I have? Does it matter where I draw the water for that?

Thanks for all the help! Any advice is useful!

 

[Fragwil]

I’d recommend using something like marine pure or seachem matrix instead of bioballs.

 

[KrisReef]

Strongly suggest using live rock or rubble rock in place of bio balls. It is a natural filter substrate superior to bioballs imo. (You can always replace the bioballs later, if you already have them.) It is something I would plan to do.

FWIW: For the media reactors, I have used a siphon from one of my displays to flow into the media reactor in my sump to avoid a pump. You might be able to divert water from your return to reduce the number of pumps you are using.

hth. GL

 

[PorterK]

I’d recommend using something like marine pure or seachem matrix instead of bioballs.

Can I put this (marine pure) between sections? I could probably move my skimmer to a middle section where I could draw for the reactors as well.

Strongly suggest using live rock or rubble rock in place of bio balls. It is a natural filter substrate superior to bioballs imo. (You can always replace the bioballs later, if you already have them.) It is something I would plan to do.

FWIW: For the media reactors, I have used a siphon from one of my displays to flow into the media reactor in my sump to avoid a pump. You might be able to divert water from your return to reduce the number of pumps you are using.

hth. GL

Is there anything innately wrong with using several pumps in the same system? Other than the heightened chance for pump failure of course. I bought 7-8 submersible pumps from an auction near me for ~$10 so I figured I may as well use them They are meant for ponds/water features but I'm pretty sure they do the same thing.

 

[KrisReef]

Nothing wrong; I have more than one, they take up space and are prone to failure, produce heat, and cost money to run. Otherwise, they are ok and lots of folks do use them. I hope to remove many of mine when I upgrade my current set up, which I hope to make a bit quieter and to have fewer cords in the sump and impellers that occasionally clog or freeze up and require attention.