DIY REFUGIUM/PRE FILTER SUMP QUESTIONS

[dawnmarie]

I have a sump running now with 20 gallons divided up as a fuge. Stuffed it with anything that grows and does not require much maintenance and it is keeping my nitrAtes in check now after two months running. I am using a 100 micron sock as a prefilter before the pond media mesh and bio balls. Planning to remove the balls for some poret or fine matala to polish.

Thanks for the reply, How big is the main tank ?
I'm aiming for under 20ppm on the NitrAte.

Notes :Taylor, I'm not clear on the substrate either, something called "magic mudd" seems to be preferred.

Conner: I am using an open stand and I want it to potentially fit this.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314010

Ross: Are you still using your setup and/or were you happy with it's performance ?

 

[fox3]

The display is 210G sump is a 40G breeder. The first three weeks it would hit 20 ppm inna week with week one a bit higher. We use flourite in the fuge and it is very cranky, does not like being bothered. This time around I went low light for less maintenance. In the past we have used hornwort and lottsa light and got great results but I am looking for less maintenance and opted for swords and wysteria and whatever we had transplanted from other tanks. No more floaties, might not be as effecient but is an accepted compromise. Use coon tail and duck weed and you will need to add fertilizer but will foul the pump if you do not stay on top of it.

We just went three weeks w/ out WC and it might have hit 20 ppm but was definately higher than 10 ppm. But to be honest I did vac the sand of detritus every third day of a little less than 5 gallons.

We are only passing 400 - 600 gph thru the fuge. Half of that is raw water from the tank the rest is bypass from the pump. I am waiting for algae to grow and will introduce cherry shrimp and other feeder shrimp to keep the plants clean so wanted some raw water for them.

 

[dawnmarie]

The display is 210G sump is a 40G breeder. The first three weeks it would hit 20 ppm inna week with week one a bit higher. We use flourite in the fuge and it is very cranky, does not like being bothered. This time around I went low light for less maintenance. In the past we have used hornwort and lottsa light and got great results but I am looking for less maintenance and opted for swords and wysteria and whatever we had transplanted from other tanks. No more floaties, might not be as effecient but is an accepted compromise. Use coon tail and duck weed and you will need to add fertilizer but will foul the pump if you do not stay on top of it.

We just went three weeks w/ out WC and it might have hit 20 ppm but was definately higher than 10 ppm. But to be honest I did vac the sand of detritus every third day of a little less than 5 gallons.

We are only passing 400 - 600 gph thru the fuge. Half of that is raw water from the tank the rest is bypass from the pump. I am waiting for algae to grow and will introduce cherry shrimp and other feeder shrimp to keep the plants clean so wanted some raw water for them.

Thanks for the info. I'm afraid to ask "how's the weather". I intend to follow up on this tomorrow.
Chris

 

[Conner]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314010[/URL]

I would aim for plants that look nice first, and are good nitrate removers as well. The member Hydrophyte on here might have some suggestions for you, he's the Riparium dude, likes to use plants for filtration and for show on his tanks.

 

[dawnmarie]

Thanks for the tip Conner. I'll try PM'ing Hydrophyte today.

 

[BadOleRoss]

Ross: Are you still using your setup and/or were you happy with it's performance ?

I was happy with the setup but I sold the tank a couple of years ago. SW was too much work! Here is a pic of the sump. It was 48"L x 21"w x 18"H (I think).

 

[kjfan1]

Looking really good!

 

[TheCanuck]

Badoleross i think i would spend more time looking under the tank. Makes me wish i did something like that.

I just bought filter socks, can't go wrong with them.

 

[dawnmarie]

I just bought filter socks, can't go wrong with them.

That was fully half the reason for this project. If it turns out the plantings won't control the Nitrite effectively, then it will be the future home of an algae scrubber.