3ft IOF as sump?

[alfaman]

Hi all,

I have a spare 3x1.5x1.5 IOF from my LH days. was wondering if i can convert it into a sump for a 4x1.5x1.5. Advice pls. TIA

attached - top view

[alfaman]

attached - side view

[eprouve]

My opinion? Since you have such a big space, use the last chamber as a refugium. Once you have that, you don't really need ceramic rings. Move everything back and put the protein skimmer just befre the refugium. There are many advantages of natural filtration using refugium.

[alfaman]

Hi clarence

how similar is marine filtration to FW?

so the correct sequence is wool-BB-PS-refugium-pump?

refugium consist of #1 sand & LR only huh?

the eheim remains?

can i try refugium-wool-BB-PS-pump?

Thanks.

P

[eprouve]

Well I'm not the expert in this area... but filtration IS filtration and the basic principles apply in either case. However, in SW conditions, there are more natural filtration methods which reduce the need for frequent maintenence of the filter and media.

In the main tank, your LRs form the backbone of filtration. In the sump/refugium, you really only need very basic mechanical filtration. It is a common agreement and practice to keep the sump as simple as possible. Some people even recommend that you don't use bioballs.

The reason being that bioballs' only purpose is provide more area for bacteria growth. In the sump/refugium scenario, a Deep Sand Bed (DSB) provides for this - Anerobic bacteria, sediment dwelling copepods, amphipods, etc. The best filtration method in a SW tank would mean that you take care of all three (ie: Natural, Mechanical, Chemical) filtration. That would help you in your choice of media.

Read around the forum. There's a wealth of information available which includes media placement order. Hope this helps.