Sump question - Aquarium Advice

Edmonton Eskimo · 09-20-2004, 09:37 PM

I am thinking of starting a sump for my 5o [acronym:bd1e92b1f9="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:bd1e92b1f9] reef tank. What is good to put in a sump? I have been reading up on mangroves and various macro algaes. I would like to have it as natural as possible. Do I have to have lighting if I want to grow plants in it? I was thinking of using filter media on one side and a [acronym:bd1e92b1f9="Deep Sand Bed"]dsb[/acronym:bd1e92b1f9], mangroves and caulerpa on the other side. Any expert advice would be excellent

Anemoneman · 09-21-2004, 12:09 AM

What you are describing is a Refugium.
Light is required for macro algae growth.
Mangroves can be difficult and require a lot of room.

You want a sand or rubble bottom for copepods, amphipods, baby stars, worms, etc. to thrive in.
Some people light their refugiums on a reverse schedule as thier main tank to minimize pH swings.

Do a search of this forum on"refugium" to get more detailed information on the subject.

Edmonton Eskimo · 09-21-2004, 01:04 AM

Yes, I do want a refugium but I also want to incorporate it in a sump. How much room would the mangroves need? I was thinking of building my own sump. What would be good dimensions? I couldn't go longer than 28"

Anemoneman · 09-21-2004, 09:25 AM

How tall can you go. Remember, Mangroves are trees. If you only want the Mangroves to function like an "algae scrubber" to reduce nitrate, there are easier/cheaper ways to do it.
There are hundreds of sump designs esp. [acronym:8760206021="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:8760206021] ones. A seaarch of the forum and/or net might help.
Include these criterea:
Provide low flow across the refugium portion. Include baffles before the return pump to eliminate microbubbles. Make the sump portion large enough to hold a heater and skimmer. Include a float switch for an auto top off scheme (this is the main advantage of a sump [acronym:8760206021="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:8760206021]). Use an external pump if possible to reduce heating the water from the pump motor.

Edmonton Eskimo · 09-21-2004, 07:29 PM

I am thinking of building the sump I found at www.angelfire.com/ok/dog1/sumps.html Is there any modifications I should make to this or is this a good design?

09-20-2004, 09:37 PM	#1
Edmonton Eskimo Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: edmonton Posts: 676 Images: 17	Sump question I am thinking of starting a sump for my 5o [acronym:bd1e92b1f9="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:bd1e92b1f9] reef tank. What is good to put in a sump? I have been reading up on mangroves and various macro algaes. I would like to have it as natural as possible. Do I have to have lighting if I want to grow plants in it? I was thinking of using filter media on one side and a [acronym:bd1e92b1f9="Deep Sand Bed"]dsb[/acronym:bd1e92b1f9], mangroves and caulerpa on the other side. Any expert advice would be excellent

09-21-2004, 12:09 AM	#2
Anemoneman Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 1,001 Images: 16	What you are describing is a Refugium. Light is required for macro algae growth. Mangroves can be difficult and require a lot of room. You want a sand or rubble bottom for copepods, amphipods, baby stars, worms, etc. to thrive in. Some people light their refugiums on a reverse schedule as thier main tank to minimize pH swings. Do a search of this forum on"refugium" to get more detailed information on the subject. __________________ Mark

09-21-2004, 09:25 AM	#4
Anemoneman Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 1,001 Images: 16	How tall can you go. Remember, Mangroves are trees. If you only want the Mangroves to function like an "algae scrubber" to reduce nitrate, there are easier/cheaper ways to do it. There are hundreds of sump designs esp. [acronym:8760206021="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:8760206021] ones. A seaarch of the forum and/or net might help. Include these criterea: Provide low flow across the refugium portion. Include baffles before the return pump to eliminate microbubbles. Make the sump portion large enough to hold a heater and skimmer. Include a float switch for an auto top off scheme (this is the main advantage of a sump [acronym:8760206021="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:8760206021]). Use an external pump if possible to reduce heating the water from the pump motor. __________________ Mark

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sump Question	hcjake	DIY Projects	4	03-03-2007 12:11 AM
To sump or not to sump that is the question	neptune	General Hardware/Equipment Discussion	3	02-25-2006 07:15 PM
A Sump Question?	jwright	Saltwater Reef Aquaria	6	10-22-2004 03:15 PM
sump question	timmy	Saltwater Reef Aquaria	5	07-15-2004 03:55 PM
Sump question ... Lighting question.	dansemacabre	Saltwater & Reef - Archive	10	07-27-2003 12:36 PM

09-21-2004, 01:04 AM	#3
Edmonton Eskimo Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: edmonton Posts: 676 Images: 17	Yes, I do want a refugium but I also want to incorporate it in a sump. How much room would the mangroves need? I was thinking of building my own sump. What would be good dimensions? I couldn't go longer than 28"

09-21-2004, 07:29 PM	#5
Edmonton Eskimo Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: edmonton Posts: 676 Images: 17	I am thinking of building the sump I found at www.angelfire.com/ok/dog1/sumps.html Is there any modifications I should make to this or is this a good design?