Sump

Chubosco · 01/31/2010, 08:34 AM

As I am putting together a 180 with a sump, if I turn the sump into a natural filter with rock, many many plants, and sand, say it's a 90 gallon aquarium; does this eliminate the need for constant water changes?

Although not really new to the hobby, this size of undertaking is way outside my experience.

Hoodrich · 01/31/2010, 08:49 AM

well you can make a area in your sump that does that like a refugium. However, I do not think you should make the whole sump a fuge because you will need and area for a skimmer and return pump.

Fish_wiz2 · 01/31/2010, 08:54 AM

This is pretty much preference, you can get away with less water changes in any system (thats just laziness IME

) but will it benefit though? probably not. Even if you do this 90 gallon refugium, you should still keep up with regular water changes. Hope that helps, Wiz

Chubosco · 01/31/2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoodrich

well you can make a area in your sump that does that like a refugium. However, I do not think you should make the whole sump a fuge because you will need and area for a skimmer and return pump.

Do I have to have seperate areas for both the sump and refugium? I was hoping to just have the refugium do both.

Isn't the sump just for the overflow in case the pump quits working?

Also, can the use of a large refugium eliminate the use of a skimmer?

Fish_wiz2 · 01/31/2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubosco

Do I have to have seperate areas for both the sump and refugium? I was hoping to just have the refugium do both.

You should, as incorporating a bubble trap will aid in controlling microbubbles from the skimmer.

Isn't the sump just for the overflow in case the pump quits working?

The sump is just an place to hold water that adds more water volume to your tank. What it does includes holding the overflow water

Also, can the use of a large refugium eliminate the use of a skimmer?

Refugiums and skimmers work in tune with each other, they can be run by themselves but not in place of one.

Hope that helps, Wiz

Chubosco · 01/31/2010, 11:25 AM

Thanks! I am getting a better idea of how this works.

Fish_wiz2 · 01/31/2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubosco

Thanks! I am getting a better idea of how this works.

No problem, just ask away if you have more questions.

warnutts · 02/06/2010, 08:04 AM

ideally u want a low flow area for ur fuge cant get that with a pump and stuff in there thats why ppl divide the areas up, also to eliminate micro bubbles as someone stated before.

Chubosco · 02/06/2010, 08:18 AM

I have been doing research on past threads. There is a wealth of info on this board!

01/31/2010, 08:34 AM	#1
Chubosco Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 39	Sump As I am putting together a 180 with a sump, if I turn the sump into a natural filter with rock, many many plants, and sand, say it's a 90 gallon aquarium; does this eliminate the need for constant water changes? Although not really new to the hobby, this size of undertaking is way outside my experience.

01/31/2010, 08:54 AM	#3
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	This is pretty much preference, you can get away with less water changes in any system (thats just laziness IME ) but will it benefit though? probably not. Even if you do this 90 gallon refugium, you should still keep up with regular water changes. Hope that helps, Wiz __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

01/31/2010, 08:49 AM	#2
Hoodrich Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 199	well you can make a area in your sump that does that like a refugium. However, I do not think you should make the whole sump a fuge because you will need and area for a skimmer and return pump.

01/31/2010, 11:25 AM	#6
Chubosco Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 39	Thanks! I am getting a better idea of how this works.

02/06/2010, 08:04 AM	#8
warnutts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 156	ideally u want a low flow area for ur fuge cant get that with a pump and stuff in there thats why ppl divide the areas up, also to eliminate micro bubbles as someone stated before.

02/06/2010, 08:18 AM	#9
Chubosco Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 39	I have been doing research on past threads. There is a wealth of info on this board!