Sump For Fw Discus Set-Up

[Steve H.]

Hi.
I would like to set up a sump filtration system for a fw tank. But I have a couple of questions.

Is the out-flow through the weirs going to equal th in-flow from the pump in the sump?
And
How does large particulate that usually sinks to the bottom of the tank get filtered out, if the sump relies on an over-flow box near or at the top of the tank?

Thanks

 

[-Nemo-]

Water input/output will not magically automatically match up, you need to do some planning. If you're using an overflow box (rather than drilling the tank) most overflow boxes you buy will have a rated GPH (Gallons per hour), which would be your input flow. I usually then recommend that people buy a pump that is a bit higher powered (higher rated GPH) than the overflow box, and then plumbing in a ball valve from the pump inorder to slow down the flow.
This allows you much more options and allows you to also control the water level inside the actual tank as well.

I wouldn't solely depend upon the overflow for picking up particles in the water, it will get the smaller floating ones in the water column, and if you have good flow in the tank, particles towards the bottom should get lifted up into the water column and partially filter out too, but you'll still have to get in there and manually remove junk with water changes.

Hope that helps.