refugium/sump

frank_broderick · 03-21-2005, 02:23 PM

Almost done with refugm/sump would like to know how long should I still run canister filter before shutting down? I also use ugf will I still need this???? and how to you shut that down???

Diver_1298 · 03-21-2005, 04:05 PM

you don't have to shut down the canister filter if you dont want to...
Or you can run it to help out your system when you need it. Carbon, water clarity, chemicals, etc. But if you want to get rid of it I would wait until you have some good biological filtration going in y our new sump, say about 6 weeks. It may be sooner but you probably can't hurt it by waiting.
I have a sump and a backpack. It is nice to get some mechanical filtration and use some carbon easily if you want to.
Jim

Jason McKenzie · 03-21-2005, 04:44 PM

UGF aren't really used much anymore. I'm sure removing it is out of the question do to everything being on top of it. Leaving it would almost make it a plenum or sorts and could probably to be an excellent nitrite redoeser if it become anaerobic. I would shut it off and monitor your Nitrites and Nitrates to make sure it isn't;t causing any problems.

Jason

somethingfishy · 03-21-2005, 05:15 PM

I would shut down both the UGF and Canister in the long run. I would probably shut the canister down when installing the sump. Then in about a month turn off UGF. As Jason mention it may turn out to be an excellent plenum. Just make sure you cap off where the tubes went.

szidls · 03-21-2005, 08:26 PM

Frank,
Just wondering about the depth of the CC and your siphoning scedual? Since you will be shutting down the ugf I wonder if the cc will really create a plenum. As J said, monitor the nitrates and nitrates closely. I had CC for a substrate before and found it to really be a detritus trap and a pita to clean. ..JMHO

If it works for you then great. Anyway good luck and keep us posted.
Scott

frank_broderick · 03-22-2005, 02:01 PM

Thanks all just waiting for pump and overflow box Can't wait to finish this project. Hope this will improve water!!!

frank broderick · 04-23-2005, 11:27 AM

Well people sump is up and running now. The first week of runing sump it got rid of all my red algae Wow. My nitrates are still at about 40 ppm Hope with time they will start to reduce.Thier are more pics on the sump photo page. Thanks again for the help...

Birdlady · 04-23-2005, 02:32 PM

Looks good! Doesn't the noise of the water crashing down that far bug you?

You are going to have salt creep all over everything with all that splash.

frank broderick · 04-23-2005, 03:06 PM

The noise is not to bad but the skimmer has a very large drop spash spash. I would like to get new skimmer lights from fug are making skimmer green inside!!!

szidls · 04-23-2005, 04:06 PM

Hey Frank,
Just trying to figure out the sump plumbing. I think your skimmer should be in the first section after your tank/ovf drain. Ideally the skimmer overflow should return to the same compartment and then go through your baffel section to the return pump section. This helps to eliminate micro bubbles. Your fuge looks good. Not sure how it is being fed? And I assume it returns to the return section also?
I would also remove the bio balls from the tank drain section. They will eventually become a nitrate factory. You could put some live rock in there or put a felt bag in there for a pre filter like the media you already have.
Hey get some tank shots there for us to see also.
Scott