Newbie Needs Help And suggestions about Sump

[isaac]

Ok i;ve decided to build a sump using weir for overflow... that part is all sorted, unless you guys have a better idea
but im a bit sketchy about the sump design.

Im going to be a cheap ass and go with the storage container setup, once again unless you guys suggest otherwize.
but... im not sure about putting partition things in or not
ok here is a pic of what i have gathered a basic sump should have Tell me what i should change or add
ImageShack - Hosting :: mysumpvm6.png

Just a few questions...

Should i add anyother Filter media?

Can i Use an Internal filter (the Long rectangle 1 with the sponges) instead of a normal water pump? it would probly make me feel better because i know its filtering something

what about collecting real ocean water?
I live In a remote Coastal town in NW Australia so polutants isnt a problem..... I also want to collect Live Rock, Live Sand and my fish from A local Rocky Beach/point.
My local Petshop only sells Tanks and Verry expensive pumps and filters.

Well when i get my aquarium setup ill make a thread with pics of the random fish ill be collecting and try to identify them

Thanx for your help...

Edit:
Also What would you guys think about putting an octopus in the tank?
i know were to find heaps, because we usually use them for bait when we go fishing. a small 1 couldnt do much harm could it? if it killed fish its not that bad coz i can collect them for free ^^

[The R/C Man]

I am getting ready to head out the door so I will give more details laters. But a sump should have a minimum of 2 baffles. One that separates the intake and other that separates the the return pump. The reason for the return pump separation is to keep dirt from collecting on the intake of the pump... The ocean water unless u get in a boat and go way off shore probably does have contaminants. Also you may end up with nasty pathogens or other organisms that will cause fish to get sick or that feed on corals.. It is better to just use store bought salt and mix your own.... I am also considering an octopus but it will require a special tank that is octopus safe. A sealed top and special water ports so he can't slip through are required. It is an undertaking for sure....... Gotta run... more later..

[Poseidon]

Just a few questions...

Should i add anyother Filter media?

I use "poly fill" from the fabric store. It will catch all the large debris.

Can i Use an Internal filter (the Long rectangle 1 with the sponges) instead of a normal water pump? it would probly make me feel better because i know its filtering something

You lost me here. If you are running a sump, then the sump IS the FILTER. You won't need anything else. Of course you will need a pump to get the water back to your tank.

what about collecting real ocean water?

Lot's of people do this. I can't because I live in Michigan, lots and lots of FRESH water around, but the nearest ocean is at least 500 miles....

My local Petshop only sells Tanks and Verry expensive pumps and filters.

Sorry, this hobby is EXPENSIVE. If you can't afford to set up a sump, then wait till you can. It will cost more to set it up WRONG, and then have to do it over again.

Thanx for your help...

Your Welcome.

Edit:
Also What would you guys think about putting an octopus in the tank?
i know were to find heaps, because we usually use them for bait when we go fishing. a small 1 couldnt do much harm could it? if it killed fish its not that bad coz i can collect them for free ^^

I think this is a TERRIBLE idea. Octopii (sp?) require very special enclosures, and to get one, even for free, only to kill it is irresponsible at best, malicious at worst.

Leave the octopii alone until you are much more experienced hobbiest.

[The R/C Man]

Thanks for the input Mike!

I also use a mesh filter inbetween my baffles but only as a way to keep debris from entering the return pump. Sometimes I don't use it in order to allow the pods etc to repopulate the display. They are a mantainance issue....

[isaac]

hmmm ok, what do u guys think about not having a protein skimmer. because they are expensive and if i made 1 myself I would have to buy an air pump and another small pump....BUT, if i dont have a skimmer then whats the point of having a sump besides to hide bulky equipment and the extra water volume?
will i be able to maintain a clean and stable tank with a HOB filter, heater and 1 powerhead?