Ok well im setting up a sump for one of my tanks, and want ideas on what to put in there . i know the bio balls filter pads and all that stuff, that's obvious. I'm putting an algae scrubber in there cause i hear they are really helpful. so is there any thing else like an algae scrubber i can put in the sump that would benifit my tank. i have an oscar tank so they are fairly messy especially when they eat so please give me some ideas.. thanks
Freshwater Sump
- Thread starter johnnyboy1219
- Start date
It wouldn't hurt to add a fluidized bed filter to the mix. You can just incorporate it right in the sump. It adds a measure of security that is worth the cost. -FM
The algae filter, when running properly, will convert all the Nitrogen compounds to algae growth. If you go this route you don't need anything else for biological filtration. Bacteria will convert Ammonia and Nitrites to Nitrates... with the algae filter you should not have to deal with the Nitrates.
If you have an algae filter the only thing I would add is some sort of mechanical filtration. I would add a couple of filter socks to the supply line from the aquarium or a Nuclear 25 micron canister to the algae filter return line and call it good!
(I use terrestrial Pothos plants for filtration... same concept and same effect as an algae filter I just think they look better and are a lot less maintence!)
[Edit] Bio balls might be a good addition for the oxygenation they provide more than their bio filtration capabilities. But with an algae filter you should have plenty of water air contact and not need the bio balls for oxygenation.
If you have an algae filter the only thing I would add is some sort of mechanical filtration. I would add a couple of filter socks to the supply line from the aquarium or a Nuclear 25 micron canister to the algae filter return line and call it good!
(I use terrestrial Pothos plants for filtration... same concept and same effect as an algae filter I just think they look better and are a lot less maintence!)
[Edit] Bio balls might be a good addition for the oxygenation they provide more than their bio filtration capabilities. But with an algae filter you should have plenty of water air contact and not need the bio balls for oxygenation.