Sump and cycling help???
I am a newbie to the SW hobby and this is about my third post on the forum. I've been reading a lot of articles and posts as well as reading some books. I bought a 90 gallon with a built in overflow. I also bought a used sump with protein skimmer. From the photo, you will see that I am just about finished with my DIY stand. Canopy will come later.
Any suggestions on media I should put in my sump and where. As you can see from the photo, the water from the tank goes into the first section, then the protein skimmer is in the middle, followed by a canister filter. Right now, I only have the pump for the skimmer and a return pump. If recommended that I use the canister filter also, where should I place that pump? I bought a ball valve for the return pump, but should I also use one on the overflow from the tank?
Last thoughts. I've read some posts on cycling, and I am going to use some raw shrimp. I also am going to use live rock and sand in the tank, so what I've gathered is to put these in the tank as well during the cycling period, correct? So is the best order to get my cycling going, put lr and ls in tank first, then mix water in the tank and sump (despite cloudiness), then add the raw shrimp?
I appreciate any and all suggestions.
I am a newbie to the SW hobby and this is about my third post on the forum. I've been reading a lot of articles and posts as well as reading some books. I bought a 90 gallon with a built in overflow. I also bought a used sump with protein skimmer. From the photo, you will see that I am just about finished with my DIY stand. Canopy will come later.
Any suggestions on media I should put in my sump and where. As you can see from the photo, the water from the tank goes into the first section, then the protein skimmer is in the middle, followed by a canister filter. Right now, I only have the pump for the skimmer and a return pump. If recommended that I use the canister filter also, where should I place that pump? I bought a ball valve for the return pump, but should I also use one on the overflow from the tank?
Last thoughts. I've read some posts on cycling, and I am going to use some raw shrimp. I also am going to use live rock and sand in the tank, so what I've gathered is to put these in the tank as well during the cycling period, correct? So is the best order to get my cycling going, put lr and ls in tank first, then mix water in the tank and sump (despite cloudiness), then add the raw shrimp?
I appreciate any and all suggestions.