Sump for a 135g - ASAP

[cdawson]

I'm getting a sump for my 135g and I just want to make sure what I need. The tank is not drilled and it'll basically be running through a hose to an overflow box hanging on the tank. In the sump I plan on growing mangroves, caulerpa and possibly at a later date some corals.
My plan is to get mineral mud for the substrate, an adequate CF hood, live rock, Pump, and clean-up crew.

My question is what would be the best pump (flowrate/ GPH), amount of live rock and clean-up crew?

Having this answered ASAP would help me out alot.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RothChyld]

Im no marine biologist but here is my attempt from my experience.

First the pump question, I have no idea what the formula for calculating this is. I would ask the LFS or search the web for a decent formula.

Second, my rule of thumb for LR is 2 lbs per gallon. Yes thats a lot of LR but it sure pays off! I also put LR in the sump vs. bioballs.

Third, cleanup crews I have consist of 2 cleaner shrimp, a lawnmower blenny, a sandsifting goby, at least 20-30 blue legged and red legged hermmies, astrea snails and turbo snails. I also have some worms that came along with the LR and a few brittle starfish. Emerald crabs and sea hares are also good for algae but I currently do not have any.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[OrionGirl]

For deciding the pump, determine what turnover you want. Ie, if you want turnover of 10 times per hour into your sump, you'll need to move ~1050 gallons per hour (assuming you'll have about 105 total gallons of water, given displacement for sand and rock, that's probably a tad high, but IMO, more is better than less). Take this number, and review the pumps specs for the distance from the bottom of the sump to the top of the tank. I like Mag Drives--they've been reliable for me, are easy to clean and replace the impeller on, and aren't as costly as many.