New sump & confused

I had a 20G sump made for my 40G. I don't know what type of media should go in the first intake area. Does anyone have any advice?

 

Chemipure, Chemipure elite, activated carbon, filter sock, filter sponge, filter floss, micron filter pads - these are just a few possibilities to start your mechanical/chemical filstration.

 

If I try micron filter, act carbon, & ceramics, is there an order I should do? Or is there any of these that are not needed?

 

Do not get ceramic media. If you are going to go with something like a media that will provide surface area for bacteria, put LR rubble in the deep part of your sump, fully submerged. The only problem with that is it will tend to accumulate detritus. In a refugium this is acceptible but not good for a sump (if it's not supposed to have a fuge in it!)

I like 200 micron filter socks. They clean a lot of the bigger stuff but still leave some suspended nutes in the water column for filter feeders and corals to munch on (soft corals and LPS corals especially!!!)

I do run a pair of microfiber pads in my 120DT and that POLISHES the water.

It's a matter of personal preference as well as what you plan on stocking.

Good luck with your new setup!!!

And I am sure this will only give you more questions - which is fine so feel free to ask!!!

 

+1 on not using ceramic rings.

A sock like Mr. Ocean mentioned is really all you need in my completely amateur opinion. Activated carbon only if you want to get really crazy.

 

I used to have bioballs, but like stated above they start to collect stuff overtime and must be washed out. Its a pain...