Sump layout, deep sand bed or not?

Hoity · 07/20/2012, 02:20 AM

I have just purchased 2 new sump tanks for my 350g DT, My question is how to lay it out.

I currently have a deep sand bed in the DT and would like to move that into a sump. The way the LFS has built the sumps, first sump 40"- return water enters LH end, Protein skimmer, water travels thru bubble trap into open area.
LFS has suggested kwalk stirrer, heaters in there, next sump connected via bulkheads/hoses. 2nd sump 48" long open area for live rock and chaeto, egg crate divider and return pump.

Should I have a DSB in with the chaeto and LR or have it in the sump 1 or is it old school now or is not big enough to have an impact??
DT is 104" x30"x26"
Cheers
Jon

Hoity · 07/20/2012, 01:42 PM

Hey guys, I did do a search for posts on this issues.
Didn't find the answer to my question.

Is the current best practice to keep DSB and have algae growing in the sump. Or is the algae/chaeto the way to go, given the DSB is only 20% approx of main tank and therefore not sufficient space to have any effect?
Cheers

buffalo123 · 07/20/2012, 02:05 PM

I find remote sand beds the best choice, if you have the room. It can be disconnected and disgarded if problems occur without too much fuss. All you need is a container and a couple of bulkheads.

djmatteo · 07/20/2012, 02:28 PM

+1 that. I tried deep sand in a 55 gallon sump (125 DT) and it was more trouble than it was worth. If I was going to have one I would def make it a remote sandbed.

07/20/2012, 02:20 AM	#1
Hoity Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 67	Sump layout, deep sand bed or not? I have just purchased 2 new sump tanks for my 350g DT, My question is how to lay it out. I currently have a deep sand bed in the DT and would like to move that into a sump. The way the LFS has built the sumps, first sump 40"- return water enters LH end, Protein skimmer, water travels thru bubble trap into open area. LFS has suggested kwalk stirrer, heaters in there, next sump connected via bulkheads/hoses. 2nd sump 48" long open area for live rock and chaeto, egg crate divider and return pump. Should I have a DSB in with the chaeto and LR or have it in the sump 1 or is it old school now or is not big enough to have an impact?? DT is 104" x30"x26" Cheers Jon __________________ 430g system Current Tank Info: 350g aquamedic turbo 3000 skimmer, deltech 5000s kalk stirrer, tunze ato, tot sys 1500lt

07/20/2012, 01:42 PM	#2
Hoity Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 67	Hey guys, I did do a search for posts on this issues. Didn't find the answer to my question. Is the current best practice to keep DSB and have algae growing in the sump. Or is the algae/chaeto the way to go, given the DSB is only 20% approx of main tank and therefore not sufficient space to have any effect? Cheers __________________ 430g system Current Tank Info: 350g aquamedic turbo 3000 skimmer, deltech 5000s kalk stirrer, tunze ato, tot sys 1500lt

07/20/2012, 02:05 PM	#3
buffalo123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,092	I find remote sand beds the best choice, if you have the room. It can be disconnected and disgarded if problems occur without too much fuss. All you need is a container and a couple of bulkheads.

07/20/2012, 02:28 PM	#4
djmatteo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 24	+1 that. I tried deep sand in a 55 gallon sump (125 DT) and it was more trouble than it was worth. If I was going to have one I would def make it a remote sandbed.