Noob getting started

Hello all. I've been hanging out the past week or so "reading". I am really wanting to get my tank up and running. A couple of questions if someone can help. I know they have been answered in at least one thread or two but i am going to ask here in one post for a more direct answer.

I am going to go with at least a 55 gal set up. I already have a sump built (20L, three dividers). My question here is: Is the sump "the filter"? I mean, i see all the threads on building a sump and folks are talking about bio-balls or rock and so forth.... But is that "the filter"? it keeps the water clear?

I plan on using either the bio balls or some live rock in there at the intake part of the sump, then a skimmer and then the ruturn pump in the third section. Does that sound right?

if i go with a 75 gal tank will this size sump still work or am i stuck at a 55gal now?

as far as the return pump....I am going to get a tank that has the built in overflow (holes already in it). but what size return pump do i get, or better yet,,, how do i figure it out? (i've got to do some things on my own )

I am still reading many threads on the sump and all,, but as it is getting closer to "go time"... these poped up and figured it was as good of time as any to make a post.

thanks, and looking forward to asking you all many more questions in the future ;D

Jake

 

hope that tiny bit helped.

 

Welcome to 3reef!
I'll try to help you a little bit. Most of your bio filtration will come from the colonized bacteria living on your rock and sand. A sump adds water volume making your water quality easier to keep good, gives you a place to put heaters, skimmer etc. out of site. The mechanical filtration can come from the use of a filter sock to trap the larger particles. If you use one I'd recommend changing it at least every three days. Chemical filtration is usually used through a media reactor or two. One using quality carbon and one using a good GFO.
I personally don't like to have anything in my sump other than equipment. All of my rock is either in the tank or in my fuge which is remote. I don't use a filter sock either. All detritus is trapped in the first two chambers of my sump and is easily vaccumed out at waterchange time. I don't like the dirt traps rock and bio balls make and it's my opinion that in the sump they just get so clogged with gunk the beneficial bacteria are suffocated out anyhow.
Water clarity comes from a balance of all of the above.
If you decide to go with a 75 gallon instead you will be alright using the 20 long for a sump still.

 

Live Rock and Live Sand will be your best filtration. Dont go with bio balls in the sump, use some small pieces of live rock in place there if you want to.

There are so many ways to do it.....just keep reading and learn all you can before you take the plunge.

Definitly go with a drilled tank with built in overflows....the only way to go IMO.

 

Melevsreef.com - What is a Sump?

flow rates depend on a number of factors, diameter of pipe/ where the hole is drilled etc so the above link explains it better than I can

if you do go with Bio balls in the 1st chamber as they help with oxygenation and mean you can get away with less rockwork in your DT and still have adequate real estate for bacteria
you do need to ensure they are kept sediment free by having either a filter sock or some other filter pad over the bioballs and then clean or replace this regular to ensure those bio balls do not get clogged with waste/ dirt/crud

Steve

 

Keep in mind jake that you also may want to add a refugium to your sump. If so this may alter the design of your sump and possible which section you will have your skimmer. As others have siad it is not absolute neccassary to keep any Live rock in your sump. (Just as you have it in your display, you will have the bio filtration.) You skimmer is also a type of filtration, as it will remove alot of gunk out of the water as well.

 

plus one on all said above.

i would go with a 75. much easier to aquascape. the width is much easier to work with and looks better. the 20 long will fit better under the 75 too.

 

Thanks everyone......I think i am going to go with a 75 gal....I dont like the tank "tall" so thats why i was looking into the 55,,,,
I do plan on having live rock in the "tank", i was just seeing and reading that some folks put chunks of rock in lieu of bio balls in the sump...

As i get ready to assemble i am sure i will posting more and I want to thank everyone in advance for any forthcoming help/advise.....

thanks again
jake

 

you technically dont need LR rubble or bio-balls in the sump. its a matter of personal preference and how you want to manage your tank. i personally have neither in my sump (edit: i do however have ~90lbs of rock in the display). i have a intake section where there is a splash box for the incoming water from the DT, the skimmer is in the intake section, center section is the 'return' where a hole is drilled going to a external pump, and the right section is the fuge. the fuge is also fed from the display tank at turnover rate of 10% of my total water volume.

in my fuge is a few inches of clay (ocean mud), several inches of aragonite sand, some chaeto macro-algae, mangroves, and TONS of pods.

you'll want to figure out how much backflow your sump can handle during a power outage as well. i dont know if anyone mentioned that. the size of your sump is fine for a 75gal, but depending on how you do your piping to and from the DT you may have a problem with power outages and water siphoning back and overflowing the sump onto your floor.

 

Thanks. I have thought about this. I talked to a local guy here and he said it was trial and error getting the flow just right so that if power is lost then the "fill back" wont over flow the sump.