Sketch up sump design(What you think?)

[greenterra]

One of the fastest floating plants ive had is Water Hyacinth. This stuff grows like a weed and develops massive root systems.

thakyou for your suggestion.

 

[Miguel]

One of the fastest floating plants ive had is Water Hyacinth. This stuff grows like a weed and develops massive root systems.

Be sure to check if water hyacinth are allowed in Aussie. ( in here they're absolutely forbidden ). Having said that , they are very effective.

I use (i) underwater plants like Vallisneria, Elodia and another one, floating that looks like a pine...(ii) with the roots emersed i used Peace lillies ( check under SPATIPHYLLUM )..(iii) also efective is the system with outside plants ( of the type you see in my first pix ) which have aerial roots that you can guide into the sump.....

your scehme looks ok, Greenterra.

As to the filters socks I have put in a 400 micron bag, very dificult to clog.

 

[greenterra]

Be sure to check if water hyacinth are allowed in Aussie. ( in here they're absolutely forbidden ). Having said that , they are very effective.

I use (i) underwater plants like Vallisneria, Elodia and another one, floating that looks like a pine...(ii) with the roots emersed i used Peace lillies ( check under SPATIPHYLLUM )..(iii) also efective is the system with outside plants ( of the type you see in my first pix ) which have aerial roots that you can guide into the sump.....

your scehme looks ok, Greenterra.

As to the filters socks I have put in a 400 micron bag, very dificult to clog.

Thankyou very much Miguel.Very informative.With your outside plants,are you still watering them in the pot as much as normal or are you watering less to ensure they source water from your sump?

 

[Miguel]

Thankyou very much Miguel.Very informative.With your outside plants,are you still watering them in the pot as much as normal or are you watering less to ensure they source water from your sump?

I water them very little, exactly to ensure that they feed themselves through the aerial rots from the sump water..

 

[greenterra]

I thought as much.Just wanted to verify.Thankyou

 

[cwickham]

You have a point with the heaters but I was thinking of them being on thier side.As for not needing the socks.I included the mechanical filter incase the socks do clog up.What probs do you see if this happens?If the socks fill up,the water will overflow towards the mechanical filter and not out of the sump.Hence both socks and filter.Will always be filtered.

Sounds like you have a good plan. Let me know how things work out. Im building my own W/D right now and am "borrowing" some of your ideas =). Ill probably not use the socks, as thats just one more thing to clean out, and the entrance chamber will be sealed. Let me know how the plants work, Im really curious about that my self.