Opinions/suggestions need for sump media

[ado124]

I was wondering if you guys could help me decide what setup and media I should use for my sump. It is a 75g sump going on a 340g tank. I'm expecting a huge bio load so I want the most bio-filtration possible.

At first I was going to just use two 18g rubbermaid bins, drill holes in the bottom and fill that beast with as many pot scrubbies as possible and do a wet/dry set up.

After doing some more research I've learned that the surface area of biomax and other ceramic biomedia is even better than that of scrubbies. So now I'm thinking about baffling up the sump and filling chambers with ceramic biomedia and doing a wet filter.

Which would be the best (not necessarily cheapest, I know scrubbies are the most cost effective) approach?

If I do the wet filter set up, should I put air stones under the ceramic rings or will they be okay completely submerged without them?

Thanks guys, any input is greatly appreciated. My new tank comes in in a few days and I'd really like to have this set up soon.

Andrew

 

[Pharaoh]

I would just do scrubbies. The cost to benefit of going with the biomax isn't worth it IMO. I am running around 400G on my central with scrubbies and have had no bio issues whatsoever.

 

[spiff]

You're right about the ceramic being better than the scrubbies, but they are really expensive in comparison. If you do decide to go scrubbie and are filling a large sump, I would suggest looking at Matala matting or equivalent. My estimation is that each matala sheet is equal to around 200 scrubbies(for the finest weave), but they are way more convenient being a large rigid sheet. But depending on application, loose filler like scubbies sometimes works better. (no room for large sheets)

 

[ado124]

Thanks for the input! I'm working on gettin a deal on ceramic rings in bulk. At what price, if its even possible, would a box of biomax or ehiem beat out scrubbies in cost effeciency?

 

[Pharaoh]

That would all depend on the price. It would have to be one heck of a price break. Definitely more than what you need. Scrubbies are cheap. I filled my 100G sump with roughly $35-$40 worth of scrubbies and I probably don't need all of them.

 

[jcardona1]

yeah man i would definitely go with scrubbies. the cost to fill a large sump like that with ceramic media would be insanely expensive. let us know though if you get a good price on ceramic media

 

[ado124]

Is it better to pack the scrubbies in tight or have them loose? I might do some dollar store hopping this weekend.

 

[Pharaoh]

I don't pack them at all, just dump them in. Although, some people on here like to arrange them because they have OCD or just want to make a cool "Z" design, but thats up to you I guess.

 

[jcardona1]

the "Z"

 

[tcarswell]

I don't pack them at all, just dump them in. Although, some people on here like to arrange them because they have OCD or just want to make a cool "Z" design, but thats up to you I guess.

Z. lol id say go scrubbies wet dry. Much more cost effective and a great bio setup.