i got a used tank that came with a sump. i have never had a sump and am having a hell of a time trying to figure it out. here are some pics, please tell me what im doing wrong or what parts are missing. thanks
sump help
- Thread starter smbjedi
- Start date
Looks like you are missing the U-tube on the overflow for starters. Next you will need filter media in the top of the sump. Need a frontal picture to see if you have a skimmer box attached to the overflow. If you can do that , it gives a btter idea about the maxi-jet.
i have the u-tube and this other hose. i cant get a front view because the tank is in a bad location. i was just checking for leaks and tryn to figure this sump. the upper part of the sump is full of bioballs.
There should be a tray on top of the bio-balls which is where the filter media is placed. Other than that all you are missing is a heater, some water, and fish.
I would suggest that the Maxi-Jet is a backup pump or used as a circulation pump since there is a return pump in the sump itself.
The water travels from the tank via the overflow box into the sump. First through a filtration media, through the bio-balls, through a final sponge (if so desired), and then to the return pump that sends it back into the tank. Many systems do not use a final sponge but the do help to trap minute pieces of waste or debri before returning to the tank.
That appears to be an Amriacle Sump and they do use a final sponge. If the top tray is missing (above the bio-balls), you can use a piece of eggcrate to put the filter media on.
http://www.tplastech.com/amiracle/filters_seareef.htm
I would suggest that the Maxi-Jet is a backup pump or used as a circulation pump since there is a return pump in the sump itself.
The water travels from the tank via the overflow box into the sump. First through a filtration media, through the bio-balls, through a final sponge (if so desired), and then to the return pump that sends it back into the tank. Many systems do not use a final sponge but the do help to trap minute pieces of waste or debri before returning to the tank.
That appears to be an Amriacle Sump and they do use a final sponge. If the top tray is missing (above the bio-balls), you can use a piece of eggcrate to put the filter media on.
http://www.tplastech.com/amiracle/filters_seareef.htm
Last edited:
What are you having a problem with? Those overflow boxes can be a pita to get started. What I like to do is fill both sides of the box with water, then dunk the u tube in the tank and hold it underwater upside down ( so the ends are facing up). Cut the fingers off of a rubber glove (if you have an imagination, you can use other things for this...just make sure they are...ummm...untreated) and slip them over the ends of the tube to seal it. Take it out of the water and put it in the overflow. Now, with both ends underwater, slip the rubber fingers off of the tube. If you did it right, there will be no air in the tube, and the overflow should flow when you fire up the system.
Sounds like alot of work to me! I just stick an airline in there, fill both boxes, insert u-tube and then suck out the air. Sometimes I leave the airline hose in there, and sometimes I remove it. Either way it's quick.