Used Sump help

[Cantari22]

Hello all,

Recently bought a used 75 gallon tank and getting ready to cycle it and I got this sump thrown in on the deal.

Trying to figure out the best layout or what I should put in each compartment since it has the slits in the last 2 walls. it came with a ton of bioballs but not sure I should use.

I planned to put the skimmer in the section closest to the return and was looking at just adding live rock and maybe a chaeto but I wasn’t sure if the chaeto would be ok with all these slits in the sump?

I have some extra acrylic I could cut and put somewhere if that would help to add a baffle somehere.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Is the bulkhead for the pump or the drain? I would take some live rock rubble or something similar over bio balls any day.

 

[Cantari22]

Is the bulkhead for the pump or the drain? I would take some live rock rubble or something similar over bio balls any day.

bulkhead is for the pump to attach for the return back up to tank.

 

[GaryE]

That's a "wet/dry" not a sump. You typically don't use that with a skimmer. You'd put a rack in first in the large compartment then bio balls and then a plate to spread the water over the balls.. Then a sponge type filter in the area between the slits and a return pump.. A sump for use with a skimmer is much different.

 

[Pistondog]

Hello all,

Recently bought a used 75 gallon tank and getting ready to cycle it and I got this sump thrown in on the deal.

Trying to figure out the best layout or what I should put in each compartment since it has the slits in the last 2 walls. it came with a ton of bioballs but not sure I should use.

I planned to put the skimmer in the section closest to the return and was looking at just adding live rock and maybe a chaeto but I wasn’t sure if the chaeto would be ok with all these slits in the sump?

I have some extra acrylic I could cut and put somewhere if that would help to add a baffle somehere.

Any advice appreciated.

Maybe think about a sump rather than wet dry.
Unless cost is an issue, then we can help with the existing wet dry different solution.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It can be modified from a wet dry to a sump. I would rather than use bulkhead , plug the bulkhead hole with a dummy, run a sock holder in the corner in which you can also attach your overflow line, and incorporate a skimmer and have return going up to the tank. Not ideal but would work.

 

[Cantari22]

It can be modified from a wet dry to a sump. I would rather than use bulkhead , plug the bulkhead hole with a dummy, run a sock holder in the corner in which you can also attach your overflow line, and incorporate a skimmer and have return going up to the tank. Not ideal but would work.

Thanks for that. I was looking at putting a sock mount there like you drew as well. Could I maybe put rock in place of the sponge in that spot?

is there an issue/disadvantage using the dry pump with the bulkhead versus plugging and using a submersible return pump?

 

[Cantari22]

Maybe think about a sump rather than wet dry.
Unless cost is an issue, then we can help with the existing wet dry different solution.

Yah. Cost isn’t a huge issue but was hoping To use what I had if feasible. Seems I could get to work but mostly was curious how I could keep chaeto in there with the slits.

 

[Pistondog]

Yah. Cost isn’t a huge issue but was hoping To use what I had if feasible. Seems I could get to work but mostly was curious how I could keep chaeto in there with the slits.

Slits usually a backed by a foam filter to retain chaeto.
My advice, get the sump you want.

 

[Cantari22]

Slits usually a backed by a foam filter to retain chaeto.
My advice, get the sump you want.

Gotcha, thanks. What would you recommend for size under a 75g tank?

 

[Pistondog]

I have this

Eshopps 3rd Generation Refugium

Features innovative design with dual water channel for an enhanced natural aquarium filtration. Order for delivery or pickup in store now in Oakland, CA.

www.baybridgeaquarium.com

Return section is small, but this fits

 

[Cantari22]

I have this

Eshopps 3rd Generation Refugium

Features innovative design with dual water channel for an enhanced natural aquarium filtration. Order for delivery or pickup in store now in Oakland, CA.

www.baybridgeaquarium.com

Return section is small, but this fits

Thanks!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks for that. I was looking at putting a sock mount there like you drew as well. Could I maybe put rock in place of the sponge in that spot?

is there an issue/disadvantage using the dry pump with the bulkhead versus plugging and using a submersible return pump?

Pump offers direct flow to tank whereas the angle will restrict flow somewhat and require an angle directly to tank