Sump Design

[GLD]

I am in the process of building a sump that will contain Ecosystem Miracle Mud ala the Ecosystem Filter. My main tank is a 55 gallon glass tank with no holes drilled, and will contain live rock, soft corals and some fish. My sump questions are:

1) should the sump go below the main tank or should it be placed above the tank so that nutrients can drain back to the main tank without being degraded by a pump.

2) Is a sump full of Calapera ugly? Should I put the sump in an adjacent room where it could be viewed in its own right, or would that have people running for the room with the main tank?

3) What is the least-risky overflow option?

4) what is the best way to deliver the water back into the main tank?

Thanks!

[eses]

1) above or below, the water has to flow through a pump, so if there is any degregation it will still occur. I prefer below the main display tank.

2) it depends on the person and how it is setup. I think my caulerpa sump looks kind of cool, it is really nothing but a box packed full of feather caulerpa though, so it isn't very exciting. i do enjoy opening up the cabinet to find all kinds of critters on the glass though. i am personally most fond of the sump being in the closed cabinet underneath. once you fill the sump with all of your extra equipment like a skimmer, heater, etc, you won't want to show it off to people anyway.

3) from what i've read, an external air-cooled pump is the most reliable return method. For your setup; a 55 glass; a overflow box with real hose clamps holding the hose on is the safest and easiest solution. there are tons of sturdy ones on the market, and as long as you keep an eye on your hose, and tighten it down properly you shouldn't have any problems.

4) and like i said above, an air-cooled return pump with the ball valve mounted on the outlet side of the pump is the most reliable way to return the water. only draws are they can sometimes use more energy, sometimes be louder, and you need to flood the pump to get it started. also requires more plumbing, and more room for the pump than a submersible one.

hope that helps some.
wes

[GLD]

Thanks Wes!