tubing length going into filter socks

petemichelle · Jan 26, 2014

I am setting up a 150 gal system with a trigger system 36s sump. I am going to try using the filter socks initially. my question is how long should i have the return tubing that goes into the filter socks? Should I have them 1 or 2 inches below the water line when the system is active, or more? how much more? the active water line for the sump is 10 inches. or should I leave an air gap between tubing and the water line? I estimate the overflow gph rate will be 750gph each x2 overflows.

DSP · Jan 26, 2014

Can you post a pic of the model sump you have? Id like to see the filter sock area and see how it's layed out, I normally keep my drain a couple inches under water on my diy sumps but if your sock area is layed out how my Trigger systems sump is then Id keep the drain a couple inches above the sock/sock trays

Waters · Jan 26, 2014

petemichelle said:
I am setting up a 150 gal system with a trigger system 36s sump. I am going to try using the filter socks initially. my question is how long should i have the return tubing that goes into the filter socks? Should I have them 1 or 2 inches below the water line when the system is active, or more? how much more? the active water line for the sump is 10 inches. or should I leave an air gap between tubing and the water line? I estimate the overflow gph rate will be 750gph each x2 overflows.

I am not sure it really matters. I have ran them both under water and above the water line with no apparent differences (other than the benefit of additional aeration with it above the water line). As long as the water if forced to exit through the sock, you should be fine.

petemichelle · Jan 28, 2014

DSP said:
Can you post a pic of the model sump you have? Id like to see the filter sock area and see how it's layed out, I normally keep my drain a couple inches under water on my diy sumps but if your sock area is layed out how my Trigger systems sump is then Id keep the drain a couple inches above the sock/sock trays

here is the pic.

DSP · Jan 28, 2014

Ok then I would make the drain go under water about an inch or so that will help keep the sump quiet, Just don't glue those pvc pieces in so you can remove the socks easily lol

petemichelle · Feb 1, 2014

thanks for the advice. hey, one more question about the sump. I was going to do a 4 inch deep sanded for my system, so I was going to do 4 inches in the sump refugium area as well. Should I be adding snails ie. nessarius and turbo (astria snails) into the refugium area as well to turn the sand? if so then do I have to feed them as separately as wells, ie put food right into the refugium. since the socks and skimmer will probably pick pick up any residual food coming off of the main display return lines. or will the algae, if any, growing in the refugium area be enough for them. also how do you contain them just in the refugium area and keep the from roaming into the first chamber where the skimmer and return socks are, or the last area where the return pumps are? thanks for all the help