Sump/fuge options? (1 Viewer)

[TwinCities Dan]

I was thinking of swapping out my TidePool II for this Amiracle sump I came across...

I have read enough to know that bio-balls are not the best option for corals. So I pull those out and then what? Should I put some live rock in there? Ideally I'd like to get some sort of refugium going. I also have a 20L that I could use as a sump if I could use this Amiracle sump as the refugium some how. Not sure I could fit all that in the stand but I am just brainstorming.

What do you think?

Also, could I attach a filtersock to the output here and have the sock lay on the trickle tray? Or just let it flow through without the tray? That will get noisy, no?

Thanks!

 

[Myclang]

Brs filter sock comes with an attachment tube so pipe will go to bottom of sock. That way it's not noisy. Sock attaches/hangs on side. Your skimmer could go in the first chamber. Or you could use it for a fuge, yes

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[TwinCities Dan]

Maybe socks aren't in style anymore?

 

[Myclang]

People say they can be a hassle being nitrate factories, just like those bio balls.I personally run socks. I like that they grab the big detritus, allowing my skimmer to do the rest.

I know a lot of people have a a few socks and they change them out every 3-4 days. I only change mine out once a week. I just don't see my nutrient levels jumping that much to really be worried about it. I run softies and LPS though where nutrients are not that big of a deal.

 

[scubaspew]

People say they can be a hassle being nitrate factories, just like those bio balls.I personally run socks. I like that they grab the big detritus, allowing my skimmer to do the rest.

I know a lot of people have a a few socks and they change them out every 3-4 days. I only change mine out once a week. I just don't see my nutrient levels jumping that much to really be worried about it. I run softies and LPS though where nutrients are not that big of a deal.

I hate bio balls and socks, but here's the thing they are both fine to use as long as you get down a schedule and routine for cleaning them, it's just like carbon which I know there are a lot of different opinions on here about running carbon filters on reef tanks, again, cleaning and changing is the key to using any of these types of filtration successfully IMO. I think the best thing to do is decide what's realistic cleaning wise for you. I personally myself would do a refugium however how big is that thing? I hear a lot about refugiums not being effective if they are too small, IME I disagree but again it depends on what other filtering you do, water changes, size of tank, amount of stock, etc.

 

[TwinCities Dan]

I hate bio balls and socks, but here's the thing they are both fine to use as long as you get down a schedule and routine for cleaning them, it's just like carbon which I know there are a lot of different opinions on here about running carbon filters on reef tanks, again, cleaning and changing is the key to using any of these types of filtration successfully IMO. I think the best thing to do is decide what's realistic cleaning wise for you. I personally myself would do a refugium however how big is that thing? I hear a lot about refugiums not being effective if they are too small, IME I disagree but again it depends on what other filtering you do, water changes, size of tank, amount of stock, etc.

I didn't mean to sidetrack so much on the sock idea, I don't run a sock or bio-balls right now. I was just brainstorming on how to use this thing, I would much prefer a refugium, maybe even a whole separate unit? I just am unsure how I would do it? Just put some filter floss where the bio-balls were? :lookaround:

 

[Myclang]

well In the pic. That tray you're holding with the holes is technically upside down. Flip it over, and it most likely came with floss in it.

I ran a reef tank for many years with that same Bio Ball sump, and a cheap coralvue HOB venturi skimmer. I never had nitrate issues with the balls, in fact if you were doing fish only many people would tell you the Bio balls would be great.... If it were me, I would remove the balls put a bunch of live rock in, and a small 65K bulb in a $5 clamp on fixture from menards.... Knowing you have a mandarin, the FUGE would be a great addition to help maintain a steady pod population.

IMO Floss, and or a filter sock is just an added benefit to catch the larger food bits, detritus, etc...Just don't get lazy on cleaning them and you won't have any issues.