Sump Questions.

[Red Oscar]

I wonder if any of you guys out there could help me please. I am in the process of buying a 90 gallon tank with a three section sump. I have never used a sump before, but have been told of its superior filtration capabilities. I'd like to know the best way of setting the sump up please. I would imagine that the end section would be for heater and return pump. What media would be the best for the other two compartments also where is the best place to buy sponges if indeed sponges are needed. I am sorry for all the questions, but i would rather get it right first time straight off. Thank you in advance.

 

[SJ2K]

Generally the first stage is water entering the filter, the middle contains media (sponge/bio balls/sand, whichever you prefer) and the final part is heating/return pump simple.

 

[fozziebear]

id say the first stage was your fine mechanical filtration like filter floss, fine sponges, then coarse sponges, then the next chamber would be biological filtration (ceramic rings bio balls etc etc) then the third can be used for heater/return, done this way it reduces the need for maintenance as the bio media doesnt get dirty as quickly, hope that helps.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

id say the first stage was your fine mechanical filtration like filter floss, fine sponges, then coarse sponges, then the next chamber would be biological filtration (ceramic rings bio balls etc etc) then the third can be used for heater/return, done this way it reduces the need for maintenance as the bio media doesnt get dirty as quickly, hope that helps.

Yep except have the course sponges before the finer sponges/filter wool.

For the bio media bio-balls are probably the cheapest option for a large space. The smaller bio-media (the small ceramatic rings with pits in might work better but will cost more). Anything in here with a decent surface area will work though (even cut up bits of sponges, though these tend to float too much).