What do I need to have in my sump?

Nathan2585 · Jul 1, 2014

So I am setting up a sump and am trying to find out what type of filters etc to use in it. I am also going to have my fluval 305 running from the sump back up to the tank. I already have a protein skimmer for the sump but what other filter or cede are good in the sump area?

scruggyj · Jul 1, 2014

1. Big filter socks for your water coming from the tank to the sump to filter out junk. I change mine weekly.
2. May need some kind of sponge or filter between the skimmer and return pump to catch bubbles.
3. You may also want a spot for carbon or GFO at some point. Depending on your setup you may be able to put over the sponge listed above in #2.

Noob · Jul 1, 2014

Many people run dumps differently. I ran mine with filter socks and have recently decided that I don't need them. In my Trigger Systems Crystal 30, I just use the factory sponge. I have my protein skimmer first, then some Chaeto and live rock in the refugium section, along with my heater. Then I just have my return pump in the last section. I have a Innovative Marine fuge light over my Chaeto. For my media reactor, the pump is in the 1st section with my protein skimmer and the return line goes directly to my tanks return pump. I have my ATO hooked up to pump water directly into the return section

ReefMadScientist · Jul 1, 2014

Water

760mason · Jul 1, 2014

What type and size of sump? How many chambers? Reef tank? FOWLR? Do you plan on dosing or using reactors?

I am not a fan of the filter sock. I use them on a new set up until the fog clears or when i am doing any maintenance that will stir up detritus. Ideally you want allot of water volume in your sump. Skimmer, heaters, probes (if you plan on using a controller.) A ATO set up. Most modern skimmers dont produce micro bubbles like they used to. I would ditch the fluval. Build a manifold to accommodate reactors. Leave room in your stand for reactors down the road. My sump has 3 chambers drain skimmer section, return with return pump and bio pellet reactor, 3rd chamber was going to be a fuge but I turned into a frag tank. Let your skimmer remove the junk. All I run is a skimmer and bio pellet reactor at this point. Very happy with it. Low maintenance, crystal clear clean water. 0ppm across the board. There are so many different ways to do this. Do your research and find what will work for you and your tank.