First off great site. I have never been one for aquatic forums. But have read so much great information on this site. I thought it was time to register and ask a question.
I have tinkered in FW a long time ago. Nothing major 50 gallon with a canister a few Chiclids etc. My brother and I split the cost of a 180 gallon reef tank for our office in the 4 years it completely crashed 3 times loosing all livestock and just a huge headache we ended up throwing our hands up and just draining it selling most of the hardware etc. My brother opened a new branch of our business in a new city. And I am sitting here with a 180 gallon tank with corner overflows, standpipes, a 70 gallon sump, with return pump and all plumbing still intact. And have decided to convert it to freshwater easier to maintain and not as stress full.
So last 2 days I have spent all my time climbing in and out of this thing scrubbing and scraping with water and vinegar I hope this smell fades from my hands and arms. Any way tank looks brand new again.
But now what. I know all the pros and cons of sumps as we ran one for 4 years. But have no idea what I should be putting in this thing for filtration. Obviously carbon, fiber filter, but what else should I be putting in there? I also have read about turning it into a filter/refugium so plant life can help with nitrates etc. However I do not plan on planting anything in the main tank and for the amount of water I am going to have can you really plant enough in a sump to help maintain this much water?
Don't be afraid of overloading me with information. I am a reader and will take all advise into consideration.
Thanks
I have tinkered in FW a long time ago. Nothing major 50 gallon with a canister a few Chiclids etc. My brother and I split the cost of a 180 gallon reef tank for our office in the 4 years it completely crashed 3 times loosing all livestock and just a huge headache we ended up throwing our hands up and just draining it selling most of the hardware etc. My brother opened a new branch of our business in a new city. And I am sitting here with a 180 gallon tank with corner overflows, standpipes, a 70 gallon sump, with return pump and all plumbing still intact. And have decided to convert it to freshwater easier to maintain and not as stress full.
So last 2 days I have spent all my time climbing in and out of this thing scrubbing and scraping with water and vinegar I hope this smell fades from my hands and arms. Any way tank looks brand new again.
But now what. I know all the pros and cons of sumps as we ran one for 4 years. But have no idea what I should be putting in this thing for filtration. Obviously carbon, fiber filter, but what else should I be putting in there? I also have read about turning it into a filter/refugium so plant life can help with nitrates etc. However I do not plan on planting anything in the main tank and for the amount of water I am going to have can you really plant enough in a sump to help maintain this much water?
Don't be afraid of overloading me with information. I am a reader and will take all advise into consideration.
Thanks
