Freshwater sump? I have questions

sounds like a very interesting project to do a "Plant filter"

In fact I may just have to try and do something of the sort with my spare 10 gallon. Please keep us updated on what you decide to do.

There is a thread somewhere on here about someone who did this with non aquatic plants, it would be interesting to see which aquatic plants would be good for doing this job. Only thing is that you might need to set up a light if you are using plants. Depending on how you do it, and what plants you use.

Setting up a sump consists of multiple parts. The first is to get water out of the tank into the sump(filter system). One way is to drill your tank and the other way is by means of an "overflow box".

The sump portion contains the filter media, bio-media, and extra water where it is returned to the tank by means of a pump.

There is another form called "refugium". A refugium has all the same components in the sump plus an extra area where you can grow plants or keep other fish. I kept plants and fry in mine. You would still need the mechanical filter media but could forego the bio if you were to stuff the refuge portion with plants as you mentioned doing. They do make excellent de-nitifiers and the substrate will also act as a bio-media.

In a normal 'fuge the water enters the refuge only after being processed in the filtration system. You could forgo any bio media since you are using plants.

Yep - sounds like a freshwater refugem to me (PS - I dont do spelling). ANYWAY, they sell HOB overflows cheap on ebay and you will need a return pump to get the water back to the top tank . I few well placed pieces of glass in the sump tank would be all you need and you sould be good to go. I think if you copy a basic refugem set up you will be all set. I use a wet/dry trickle filter under my discus tank and I have had great results. Kinda the same idea. SUmps are great for adding water or vitamins. I keep my heaters in my sump so you dont have to se them in the tank.

If you need help just Halla!

Arkangel77

if you are having trouble with your water parameters, try taking some of the snails out or increasing water changes.

To help your ideas check these HOB refugiums :

ECoSystem HOB Refugium

DIY system

Depending on your stocking and plant types and sizes you can get away from a power filter.