Sump Filter Ideas

[bubbles21476]

I am setting up a new 220 gallon aquarium with a 40 gallon sump filter. I have a three chamber 36" refugium that I am converting into a flilter for the tank. The intake goes into a sock then over a wall into a middle section, under the second wall into the return chamber. I am familiar with setting these up for other purposes than monster fish. How should I set the sump up to handle the bioload. current fish
20" rtc, 2 hybrid rtc/tsnc 10" each, 1 tsnc 8", 1 true alligator gar 10", 1 arrowana 14", and 4 6" oscars.

don't worry, the 220 is a grow out tank for a future project.

 

[bubbles21476]

I am also setting up an eheim 2080 canister on the tank for additional filtering

 

[js302]

lots of bio media...
Start with some sponges (scouring pads), and then some scrubbies.
I reiterate... lots of sponges/scrubbies and some air (airstone)
Then onto some lava rock and ceramic pieces if u can. High s-a stuff
Polish at the end, purigen works great for me.

... let us know

 

[Pharaoh]

Realistically, you sump will work for freshwater just as well as it will for salt. You want good mechanical filtration first (filter socks), then plenty of bio filtration. The can be acheived by any of the item listed above; scrubbies, bio balls, ceramic media, etc. You do not need to mix the various types. They all serve the same purpose, some just a little more effective than others.

Please post up a pic of your sump so we can have a look to be able to give you more specific advice.

 

[turtlesrock]

fill the first chamber with sponge or scouring pads, then fill the second with cut up straws (they work great), then in the third put scrubbies!