what should be in a sump

[boojncarla]

well basically i have a 75 gallon reef tank and a 30 gal sump which has crushed coral, cotton filter and the skimmer. my question is what really should ben in the sump? im actually not familiar on what should be there. thanks.

[Sueet]

well basically i have a 75 gallon reef tank and a 30 gal sump which has crushed coral, cotton filter and the skimmer. my question is what really should ben in the sump? im actually not familiar on what should be there. thanks.

I don't think there is a solid definition of what 'should be' in the sump, but often times people use the sump to hide certain equipment, so that it isn't visible in the main (ie. heaters, skimmer). It also, just being present, adds to the total volume of the system, which is a good thing.

I believe that most people also take advantage of the extra space to place a deep sand bed (DSB) and/or extra live rock/rubble to increase the amount of biological filtration available to the tank. Some people also use the sump to contain a small refugium area for beneficial creatures/alga, but that is by choice, and tends to be a puzzle for many because a successful refugium needs very low flow, and also needs a light source which a normal sump does not.

There may be other uses for the sump too, but I think really it is whatever you wish to use it for.

[MyLittleOcean]

Here is a pic of my setup. As far as your question on what goes in the sump.... Basicly anything you want to hide. Skimmer, heater, filters. I ran out of room and added a bookshelf beside mine for more stuff. Once you start you cant stop. Just when I think I am DONE I add something new. My last addition was a surge which is located on top of the bookshelf. Refugiums are a great addition and they are more usefull when installed above the tank. This way no 'little critters' have to go thru a return pump before getting into the main tank.
We will be glad to help in any way, just let us know.
BTW is this a fish only or are you going to have corals?

[boojncarla]

you have a great pic. your tank looks real neat. anyway im slowly setting up my tank to a reef tank so am really just wondrin what i should place and not place in order not to make a big mess. so if you have any more comments on what to put. please feel free to post your suggestions bcuz it cn really help me alot. thanks again.

Here is a pic of my setup. As far as your question on what goes in the sump.... Basicly anything you want to hide. Skimmer, heater, filters. I ran out of room and added a bookshelf beside mine for more stuff. Once you start you cant stop. Just when I think I am DONE I add something new. My last addition was a surge which is located on top of the bookshelf. Refugiums are a great addition and they are more usefull when installed above the tank. This way no 'little critters' have to go thru a return pump before getting into the main tank.
We will be glad to help in any way, just let us know.
BTW is this a fish only or are you going to have corals?

[Samper]

Refugiums are a great addition and they are more usefull when installed above the tank.

Will you describe to me exactly how you set up your refug and the equipment used please?

[MyLittleOcean]

Will you describe to me exactly how you set up your refug and the equipment used please?

Here is a diagram

[Samper]

I was looking for more specifics on your refug, powerheads, pumps, exact lighting but thanks for the diagram, very envious setup.

[MyLittleOcean]

OK here goes.....

75 gallon tank w/ dual hang on overflows (scary) (DIY). The overflows are 1 1/4" and drain into the DIY sump/refug.
The sump/refug (DIY) is 18" H x 36" L x 12" W. First chamber is 5" wide, this is where micron filter socks are hung and tank overflows enter. About 25 holes are drille in the colum wall down low tto allow water to enter the refugium. The refugium is ~20 gallons and is light by 2 60w Spot Grow bulbs. This all overflows into the next colum (2" wide) where more filters are used. The last area is 10" x 12" which is divided into front and back half. Skimmer area in the front, return bulkhead in the back, baffles between. The skimmer is a ETSS and is run external. There is a float valve in the last chamber for top off. The return pump is a Mag 12 which is T'd 4 ways. 1st to the main tank and exits on each side. 2nd is a slow flow to the upper refug. 3rd is to the surge. Last is set up for water changes. There is another T before flow restrictor going to the upper refug to feed the Ca reactor (DIY).
The upper refug (DIY) is 14" H x 22" L x 10.5" W w/ NO 65k light. Drilled for 1" drain in upper side wall then elbow to overflow into and exit in the tank.
The surge is 1.5 gall 6" dia acrylic tube. Sponge filter add to make it quiet. It fills in 25 secs. and flows for 15 secs.
The lighting consists of 2 PFO 400w HQI radiums.
DJ Power strips are on each side of the tank and are switchable.

85 lbs of Kaleni LR in main tank. 40 lbs mixed figi, kaleni, DIY rock in refug sump. 20-30 lbs of ? LR in the upper refug Tonga small pieces maybe.



In the sump-- PH montior probe, heater (not on), skimmer pump, filters (cotton and micron)
On the book case shelves--Top to bottom-- surge, ballasts, upper refug, decor (micro radio control 18 wheeler Aquarium Equiptment truck) , books, 5 gallon top off, chemicals/food, CO2 tank, Ca reactor, PH monitor.
In the tank (equiptment) one power head. This will soon be gon when another surge is added.

I have to say that little pump in the main tank (ViaAqua or AquaVia) has been wonderful (IME). 2 years straight 24 hours 7 days a week no cleaning no stoping (execpt for brief power blackouts) Hasnt missed a beat. I'll scrape the coraline off and see the name maybe.



Whew tired of typ[ing right now ....

HTH

[MyLittleOcean]

Oh wow I am soooooo glad that went thru.... My computer BLUE screened as soon as I hit enter and restarted..

[Samper]

I appreciate the description, a setup like that would be perfect for me to work on. Thanks again.