Nervous... First time using a sump.

[TheSwampFox]

Finally picked out a good deal on craigslist for a tank that has an overflow and is predrilled for a sump. I'm pretty pumped about starting a saltwater tank on a larger scale (I have only had a biocube) but, having never used a sump tank before, I'm not too sure what to expect or what I need.

First of all, here are a few pics of the tank, to give you an idea:

As you can see, the system comes with in an in tank overflow and an Oceanic Model 75 trickle filter.

I have heard of people removing the bioballs and adding live rock rubble into that area instead? I have also heard of using a HOB skimmer inside of a trickle filter such as this for people with limited space. This is a FOWLR build, so I would think I'd only need a skimmer and the filtration.

On the other hand, can you convert a trickle filter such as this into a sump? I could probably answer this question myself if I had already picked up the tank, but as for now I can only see the pictures the lady has sent me. Maybe someone who has had this filter before can chime in?

Anywho, what I'm basically asking is if I can use this wet/dry filter in this setup for saltwater, or do you think I need to scrap it and get a new sump (or maybe a way of keeping what is in the tank for now and upgrading in the future).

Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[nonstophoops]

Finally picked out a good deal on craigslist for a tank that has an overflow and is predrilled for a sump. I'm pretty pumped about starting a saltwater tank on a larger scale (I have only had a biocube) but, having never used a sump tank before, I'm not too sure what to expect or what I need.

First of all, here are a few pics of the tank, to give you an idea:

As you can see, the system comes with in an in tank overflow and an Oceanic Model 75 trickle filter.

I have heard of people removing the bioballs and adding live rock rubble into that area instead? I have also heard of using a HOB skimmer inside of a trickle filter such as this for people with limited space. This is a FOWLR build, so I would think I'd only need a skimmer and the filtration.

On the other hand, can you convert a trickle filter such as this into a sump? I could probably answer this question myself if I had already picked up the tank, but as for now I can only see the pictures the lady has sent me. Maybe someone who has had this filter before can chime in?

Anywho, what I'm basically asking is if I can use this wet/dry filter in this setup for saltwater, or do you think I need to scrap it and get a new sump (or maybe a way of keeping what is in the tank for now and upgrading in the future).

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Looks like a nice tank! What size is the tank?

I have not personally had this particular wet/dry, but you should be able to remove the bioballs and go with live rock rubble. This should work just fine.

If you are interested in trying something a little better, using an old tank(bigger the better) for a sump and siliconing in baffles is the cheapest and best way to go in my opinion. You can customize the sump based on your equipment to maximize space. You can also add a refugium if you use a big enough sump tank.

As far as whether or not a sump is necessary, it is not. However, any and all additional filtration you use will better the water quality and your ability to keep everything healthy. So, I would highly recommend using it. The sump with be a place for not only a skimmer, but heaters and chemical media as well(activated carbon). The sump keeps everything out of your main tank and makes it more anesthetically pleasing. It also helps oxygenate the water and increases flow in the tank. These are all beneficial things and there is not downside besides taking up space under the tank.

I agree with you in that the skimmer is an essential part of your FOWLR setup and an oversized one will greatly help you.

 

[TheSwampFox]

It is a 75 Gallon Tank.

What I was considering doing is removing the bioballs and using live rock rubble in that compartment, and then using an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer hanging on the wetdry filter in the bottom. I planned on putting my submersible heater in the overflow... not sure if that would work though... In the end though I wanted to try and just convert the filter that is coming with the tank to suit my needs.

 

[TheSwampFox]

bump for more opinions

 

[nonstophoops]

It is a 75 Gallon Tank.

What I was considering doing is removing the bioballs and using live rock rubble in that compartment, and then using an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer hanging on the wetdry filter in the bottom. I planned on putting my submersible heater in the overflow... not sure if that would work though... In the end though I wanted to try and just convert the filter that is coming with the tank to suit my needs.

That sounds good.

Do you mean in the overflow box or in the sump/wet/dry? I don't think it would work in the overflow itself.

Like I said earlier, you may need to adjust or make a baffle to hang the skimmer on if you chose a hob skimmer. The remora would be a great choice.

 

[FLESHY]

The remora would be a great choice.

As long as there is someone here saying this, I really dont need to post here at all.