I know NOTHING!!! about sumps...

[HiGhTiMeZ]

hello! i wud like to ask opinions on how to effectively used my sump.
i have 20 or 25 gallon sump for my 210 gallon backedup with 2 fluval 404..
this sump was with the tank i bought. This is my sump now...

1st question, how high shud the water level be in my sump shud? does it have to be low low to be able to maxmize the trickl-ing thing?

2nd, do i need all these bioballs? all of these bioballs came up with it.

3rd. can i put other medias in it? if so where?

lastly, i put alot of pot scrubbies in the compartment where the motor sucks in water back to the tank.. does that even do anything?

advance thanks for the replies guys!

 

[duanes]

The water level should be low enough, so that if there is a power failure, the tank drainage doesn't overflow the sump on the floor.
Especially if thats carpet you have under it.
I'd put some kind of particulate filter bag, or pad under where the water enters the sump.
As a personal preference, I use plants in my sump instead of bio balls, but there are as many ways to use and types of media for a sump as you can think of.
This is my sump, because my cichlids use any plant as a salad, but I like a planted tank, this is my solution.

 

[HiGhTiMeZ]

hmmmmmm plants? ehh.... thanks for the idea...
keep them coming please! thanks!

 

[Dr Joe]

Can you get us a pic with better lighting?

 

[Miguel]

The water level should be low enough, so that if there is a power failure, the tank drainage doesn't overflow the sump on the floor.
Especially if thats carpet you have under it.
I'd put some kind of particulate filter bag, or pad under where the water enters the sump.
As a personal preference, I use plants in my sump instead of bio balls, but there are as many ways to use and types of media for a sump as you can think of.
This is my sump, because my cichlids use any plant as a salad, but I like a planted tank, this is my solution.

I also use plants extensively, but only in a central chamber in the sump...amazing sump, yours..can we see more?

 

[JardiniBoy]

My 4' sump has black bio foam in the first two (small) compartments, ceramic media in the next two (big) compartments and equipment in the last...

I would recommend ceramic media over bioballs for sumps any day.

 

[toehead11183]

me neither!

 

[cichlid savage]

I wish i knew more about sumps too. I think I want to do one on my 180.

 

[duanes]

On one bank of tanks, the planted sump has a compartment for a pump

hidden behind these plants, on the other bank of tanks (above), the planted sump is in between the tank and a barrel that holds the pump and splits between 3 tanks and the fluidized bed filter in the pic.
The PVC cap over the strainer reduces guggling noise and keeps plant parts, fish and duckweed from getting to the pump. Inside the barrel are filter socks hanging to collect debris from tank outflows. Pump is rated 2400 GPH, water volume total is about about 350gals for each bank of tanks.

 

[cyclops23]

taggin along here, i want to use a 29g sump for a 125g display. maybe split it into 2 sections: 1 ceramic, 1 planted. would leaving the plants lighted 24/7 help?