Need sump/filter advice

[h8z2luze]

I have a couple different options. I just set up my tank today with about 30 pounds of established LR and 40 pounds of new sand. Anyway, I have a fluval 403 canister filter hooked up to it right now. I hear they are nitrate factories? I don't want that obviously so I'm trying to figure out if I want to set up a sump or not. It's a 40g breeder. I have a CPR bak pack skimmer I guess I could run that hung on the sump if I go that route. I also have a large hob tetra filter I was thinking about making into a mini refugium... Is that possible? Just looking for opinions. Thanks!

 

[h8z2luze]

No input??

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I made a sump out of a 29 gallon tall and wish it would have been bigger. An 40 gallon would probably make a great one imo. A lot of people are at work right now so I'm sure later you'll get a lot more comments on it patience is the key to everything especially with salt. Haha hope this helped.

 

[h8z2luze]

No my main tank is a 40G lol

 

[Mrc8858]

I would use a 20 long atleast or another 40 breeder. The HOB filter could then be used for different medias cause you could build your fuge right into your sump

 

[Sniperhank]

A canister filter is fine as long as it is maintained Correctly. The problem is that most people dont. Same can go for a sump if it isnt maintained as well, but filter socks solve that issue. You can make one easily out of a 20 long for under 60 dollars. Might even be able to use the hosing from the canister, depending on the canister.

 

[h8z2luze]

Ok well what is considered "maintained correctly"?

 

[Mrc8858]

Weekly rinsing to rid it of debris, no less the biweekly

 

[h8z2luze]

Someone was telling me i would have to clean it daily... Seems like a pin in the butt.

 

[Mrc8858]

No not daily although if its purely used for mechanical filtration then it wouldn't hurt. I would just clean it every week or two with your wc