Just got a new 75 gallon with a sump

[rockhoe14er]

Hi guys,

I just bought a new tank from craigs list with a sump already installed. Previously this was a reef tank and i was wondering if there is anything i need to know about how to clean of some of the reef gunk in the tank.

Also can anyone explain how to set up the sump. I've never done it before and i'm sure it's a little different if i'm doing it for freshwater. I included photos of what I thought were the key elements.

The pictures bellow are the tank with the sump bucket and i didn't include a picture of the pump because i didn't think i needed too. So is this difficult to clean and set up?

 

[slapnutz]

I bought a salt tank/sump setup that is now my planted tank. Water, vinegar, razor blades, sponges and elbow grease will get that all cleaned up for ya. The inside of the overflow may pose a challenge to clean though.

The larger ribbed hose drains down and enters the sump on the left side, based on your picture. It looks to me that the drip plate and egg crate should be switched though. On top of the drip plate you would have a mechanical filter media, then bio media. Your most cost friendly option for bio media to fill that up would be scrubbies. The return pump would go on the right side, and connect to that smaller hose coming out of the bottom of the tank.

 

[rockhoe14er]

I bought a salt tank/sump setup that is now my planted tank. Water, vinegar, razor blades, sponges and elbow grease will get that all cleaned up for ya. The inside of the overflow may pose a challenge to clean though.

The larger ribbed hose drains down and enters the sump on the left side, based on your picture. It looks to me that the drip plate and egg crate should be switched though. On top of the drip plate you would have a mechanical filter media, then bio media. Your most cost friendly option for bio media to fill that up would be scrubbies. The return pump would go on the right side, and connect to that smaller hose coming out of the bottom of the tank.

So when i fill up the tank with water when it's ready how do i start the sump?

I'm guessing i need to fill up the sump with water as well but then once it's filled up to the water line do i just start the pump and then everything should work?

 

[slapnutz]

Basically. Once you turn on the pump, it will send the water into the tank. As it gets to the height of the overflow, it will drain to the sump. You will have to add more water after it is turned on to account for the water that will be in the pipes while the system is running.

 

[rockhoe14er]

Thanks a lot.