Sump Filtration

[jarthel]

Hello. I was looking at a setup that includes a 4ft tank, halide lighting and sump filtration. I do not think the current owner has tested the sump or the powerheads. but it seems powerheads are cheap so I am not that worried.

But what are the things I need to look at in the sump itself? It is made of glass so I suppose, I need to check for leaks/cracks in the glass. any other ideas?

how does a sump system compare to canister in terms of performance/maintenance/reliability?

thank you very much

 

[bitteraspects]

sumps ar by far, the best "bang fo your buck".
- they provide a larger water column which helps stabilize water parameters.
- they give you a much larger available space for bio media
- they allow you to hide your heaters and any other unsightly equipment outside of your display
- you can customize your sump to any specs you want
- if designed properly, it is extremely easy to maintain


definitely check the sump for leaks, also, see what all is inclusded with it (media, return pump, overflow box/ pvc ovberflow/ bulkhead fitting.

 

[jarthel]

definitely check the sump for leaks, also, see what all is inclusded with it (media, return pump, overflow box/ pvc ovberflow/ bulkhead fitting.

I'm not so concern with the media since it can be easily replaced and it seems the tanks hasn't been used in awhile. so it might be a good idea to get new media.

return pump = power heads? the sale includes 2 powerheads but as I said, it seems cheap so I'm not so concern.

piping = could I easily get replacement from the local hardware shop?

the sump looks like this:

http/img269.imageshack.us/i/tanksump2.jpg/

http/img5.imageshack.us/i/tanksump1.jpg/

ps. are you able to tell me the part on the right that's colored white?

 

[Sanderling]

It all looks good.
Keep the media. It looks like ceramic filter media used in the metal cast industry, dimensionally very consistent, its very porous and as you can see easily stacked.
The device on the right looks like a fluidized bed filter but it's hard to tell. What does the tank look like?