Sump Concept

[ox5477]

Hey guys

I’m going to put a sump on my tank and wanted to run by you something I’m doing. After watching the sump video on Reefvideos.com, and seeing how he had the “duplex” system with egg crate creating basically a Benthic zone and then a “penthouse” layer for chaeto to grow and suck up nitrates and phosphates. Well what I’m wondering…. is the benthic zone really worth the extra trouble? I know the tunicates and sponges and dusters and the like that will grow will help filter the water of detritus and other marine particles, but isn’t that easily accomplished by a filter sock? Maybe if I’m not getting anymore of an advantage from the benthic zone thatn a filter sock, I can just use a sock and then can have a DSB, say 6.5-7” with chaeto on top of that instead of the egg crate work?

FYI: Using a CPR CS90 overflow (600gph) (as the tank is not drilled) down to the sump, which is a used 40G breeder that I picked up from my LFS for $20. I have cleaned it and it has been leak tested for a couple weeks and everything held fine so no seal damage. Going to use a Mag 9.5 for a return and prob T-off portion of the return to go back through the “duplex”/refuge. O.. the skimmer I have is a cheap seaclone… thing has been working quite well lately, but over the next few months, I should plan on upgrading as I don’t have a lot of confidence in it’s reliability.

Heres a screen capture from the video on Reefvideos.com and I'm actually looking at the same design and look:

Thanks!

Ox

 

[SkiFletch]

DSB's in the sump are a PITA if you ask me. Eventually they need to be replaced/maintained, and that becomes a real chore when you can't just toss the whole thing. RDSB (remote DSB) in a 5gal bucket is a much better idea (if you do want a DSB that is).

You're right about the detritus and the filter sock but if the benthic zone does function as intended it would remove the detritus WITHOUT having to maintain it (ie no washing of the sock)

 

[ox5477]

Thats what I figured ski. Thats why its an attractive idea, less maintanance and a much more natural system. I already have a good amount of benthic creatures underneath many overhangs and outcrops of my lr in my display and I'm sure once this system is set-up, the eggcrate would be seeded relativily quick.

Also, thinking a reef octopus 110 would be a nice addtion as well.... heard some good things about them on reefcentral and the price is def right when compared to skimmers like bubblemaster and deltec. Thought about feeding the overflow directly into it, but I will actually use a mag 2 to feed it I think seeing as you want atleast 1.5 times the system volume (I know thats only about 125G, but I do plan on eventually ungrading my 125 to a reef so planning ahead for that)

Ox

 

[SkiFletch]

Yeah the Octopus skimmers have to be the best bang/buck here in the US, good choice