Small sump + canister?

[Showdown]

I have a 60 gallon reef (1 coral right now) and there is a 10 gallon sump with no separations just a small liverock/skimmer/return and I also have a Filstar XP4 Canister Filter running beside it. I am looking to build a new sump and there is a 30 gallon available for close to nothing but I would need to use up the entire cabinet and get rid of the canister. My question is if I set this sump up right will it be a right choice?

[audifeesh]

Short answer - yes. A properly setup sump has many benefits over a canister filter and small sump in a marine aquarium.

The largest being overall maintenance of your filtration system and the effectiveness of it. 30gallons gives you a lot of room for pumps, skimmers, heaters, a DSB fuge, more live rock, macro algaes, turf scrubbers, sponges, foam, reactors, and just about anything else you could want to stick down there.

[dlyon101]

This is a little off of the subject, but what about using filter socks in the sump? I've heard of some reasons not to use them, but yet some of the more expensive sumps come with them. I've got a Trigger Systems Elite sump and it has filter socks and a spong where the water goes into the return chamber. I don't think any little organisms such as pods can make it through those two obstacles.

The filter socks have "junk" in them though so they serve some purpose by providing a small amount of mechanical filtration. Also, the spong seems to keep most of the microbubbles from the skimmer from going into the return change and thus back into the main tank (I may have excess microbubbles though because my skimmer is only about 2 weeks old).

[dlyon101]

sorry...for some reason I forgot how to spell "sponge"

[Cheech]

Another yes here, for all the reasons posted above.

No real need for the cannister filter, really.. Long term it can do more harm than good.

you definately won't be disappointed replacing your 10g sump/fuge with a 30g.

When you do, we can help you out with dividing your tank!

Good luck!

Dylon,

for years Ive always known that in a marine tank, you don't want any "mechanical" filtration blocking anything from getting into the main tank.. However, I recently gave filter socks a try, and for now, I'll be sticking with them. imo, bacteria will still get through the sock, and, since the sock is placed in the 1st chamber of the sump (tank drain), the fuge still has plenty of organisms to make their way to the main tank.

Only drawback is that they have to be cleaned and changed every 3 days or so.


Then again, this is my opinion and not necessarily the ideal setup. All I know is that it helps keep my water crystal clear.

[dlyon101]

Good information... thanks! I'll keep using mine for now. Hopefully there won't be many copepods or amphipods that make their way back to the tank drains. I've seen a few amphipods in my fuge (probably came on my chaeto), but they haven't made their way up to the main tank yet.

[Amphiprion]

Good information... thanks! I'll keep using mine for now. Hopefully there won't be many copepods or amphipods that make their way back to the tank drains. I've seen a few amphipods in my fuge (probably came on my chaeto), but they haven't made their way up to the main tank yet.

They are there, but hidden ;). That is where they originated in most cases.

[Showdown]

Thanks for the info. Okay so I got a 30 gallon tank. 30x18x12:grinyes:

I'll start looking into the best way to divide it up any good experience or links I should know of first?

[Showdown]

EDIT: 30x16x12 So about 25 gallons

Just picked up the tank and it's only a few months old. Mint condition. Also just sold the canister on Kijiji this morning. Looks like i'm $40 up on spending on the sump. A pic to get the senses going.http://www.showdownmerchandising.com/3.JPG
http://www.showdownmerchandising.com/3.JPG

[audifeesh]

Keep bubbles out of your return with a bubble trap, leave sufficient room for by mechanical filtration, make your fuge as large as possible, and plan it all around the equipment you want to run. Lots of ways to do it, all about figuring out what's best for you

[Showdown]

No leaks

[Showdown]

Acrylic

[Cheech]

Great job!!

[Showdown]

Okay baffles are in 48 hours later and no leaks.

Final numbers:

Refugium
10x12x13

Skimmer
9x12x9

Bubble Trap
3x12x9

Return
7x12x9

15.5 GALLONS TOTAL

Just need to clean up excess silicone and then install hopefully tomorrow.

[Showdown]

Sump JUST fit and is in place. Will be adjusting plumbing, installing skimmer, and adding more live rock tomorrow.

Last shot is of a frag I got of Leather Finger?

[Cheech]

^^ Looking great!

Where are you placing your skimmer?

[the wizard]

looks good, I'll give you a call when I upgrade the bio cube and you can build my sump. :rolleyes:

[Showdown]

Skimmer goes in the middle section. 9x12x9

[wrek]

I thought the live rock went in middle and the skimmer in the output tank? Does it matter?

[Showdown]

I can control the flow rate to either one so it shouldn't matter should it? Not to sure.

[Cheech]

^^ not a big deal. you'll be fine.

[wrek]

I guess I don't know, I've only ever seen it in middle.