Noob W/D Questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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Greg31

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Sep 15, 2009
1,739
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Maryland
I will be setting up a 150g and heard a sump is the way to go. I have been looking at some builds and think I understand most of it, but have some questions.

1. Why do people put the bioballs or scrubbies in the middle section elevated by egg crates?

2. The entire sump basicly runs off of the pump in the last section right?
(it sucks water in which is how water gets into the sump and in turn pushes it back into the tank?)

3. What exactly is the plastic pegboard doing above the middle part and area where the filter sock usually is?

4. How does the pump regulate the amount of water staying in the sump? I see most people only want 1/3 of bio media covered.

5. What size tank would good to build a sump for? Or suggestions for other containers?
 
This is from my limited exsperince.

1) The first section is usually mechanical filtration to get the bio materail clean (bio balls or what not) and the eggcrate elevates it so it is not under water so the bacteria work better by getting more air (oxygen)

2) Yes the whole system works off the one pump. It pumps water to the tank which overflows back to the sump.

3)The plastic pegboard evenly distrubtes waters over the bio media causing a rain like effect which also help aerates, again my oxygen for the bacteria, and fish.

4) The tank can only hold so much water so when you pump up to it the rest falls back to the sump so you will have a running level in the sump. Only the last compartment in the sump flucuates. This is because of the baffles in the sump, each one acts like a seperate tank. Holding a certain amount of water and over flowing to the next.

With sumps the bigger the better. Sump add volume which helps dilute. Basically you need as much room as you need space for media and anything else you want down there. Old glass tanks work well, rubbermaid bins are popular. Salt guys like to show off there sumps making plexiglass sumps.
 
1. You need the mechanical media before the bio media, hence why it goes in the middle.

2. Pump only returns water to the tank. You need an overflow to let the water get to the sump.

3.plastic peg board above middle section is to make a drip tray.

4. Water level in sump is regulated by the height of the overflow in the tank.

5. For a 150 a 55 gallon sump would be good.
 
Ok thanks. Are there plans for sumps anywhere? Just so I can make sure I am doing it right?
 
There are lots all over the internet and this site, just do a bit searching and you will see lots of idea's and should be able to combin them into something that will work for you
 
Ok. It is intimidating to look at making them. I will continue to research!
 
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