Pond Matrix in Sump Refugium as Nitrate Reducer

[NW Cichlid Keith]

I'm custom building a sump for a heavily stocked 225 that is 30" wide. I was going to make it 48" x 18" (filter socks to pond matrix to return pump). I had an idea to add 6" and run a relatively low flow through approx. 80 Liters of Pond matrix. I would run water from the return area, through the matrix, and back to before the socks, so I wouldn't have to ever clean the pond matrix. My questions is:

1) Assuming I don't mind paying for the Pond Matrix, would that work?
2) Would it just be a novel idea and put a small dent in nitrates, or would it put a serious dent in nitrates - factoring in the large amount of 80L and the lower flow?
3) What flow would you go with - how many gph? I'd have baffles every 6" (top, then bottom, then top....) so water wouldn't just flow across the top.

Thanks for your input?
Keith

 

[monkeybike]

I still get silt in my sump even while using 200 micron socks, so the never clean option may be a pipe dream.

 

[ragin_cajun]

I haven't cleaned my sump in 2 years. filter socks and pond matrix. I keep a pretty stout power head running in it--and a rubber ducky.

As for extra pond matrix, I don't think it's gonna take out Nitrates. For the same time spent installing and planning, you'd get a lot better nitrate removal with a freshwater drip. I'd guess........40 GPD would be PLENTY for your setup.

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

If you want any practical nitrate reduction you won't get it with social media. It's all marketing hype. Any media will slighlty reduce nitrates but not enough to make a difference in water changes. Just use cheap media and setup a drop if you want to avoid manual water changes.