a) More water volume, makes temp and chemistry more stable.
b) gives you an out-of-the-way place for "unsightly equipment" such as heaters, skimmers,
kalk drip lines, float switches for auto-top-off etc.
c) did i mention more water volume?
2. Difference in a sump and refugem?
sump = place for equipment
fuge = place for equipment & additional sand, macro algae,
LR etc for additional bio filtration/nutrient export. A lot of folks will set up a fuge and fill it with macro algae and leave the lights over the fuge on 24/7 for maximum nutrient export (keeps bad algae out of your display tank)
3. I have a 30g, a 20g, a 10g, and a wetdry filter box that I can use, what should I use?
yes.
I'd go with the 30. Why, cause it's the biggest one you have. (as long as it will fit where you want to put it. Under the stand?)
4. What equipment will I need?
My tank is drilled, and I do have an over flow.
you have an overflow like a
HOB overflow, or your tank has a built in overflow? You'll need tubing, and a pump that can handle pushing enough water up from the bottom of where the sump will be, to the top of your display tank (this is refered to as "Head Height") There is a great chart that lists magdrive pumps with the relative
GPH/head height. its a good reference. do a google for it, should be easy to find.
5. Explain in detail how to set it up. Pretend you are talking to a 5 grader.
abbriged instructions (you'll get more details with more questions
)
- Put the sump where you want it.
- Hook whatever tubing/plumbing you're going to use up to your overflow and run that to your sump.
- Set up your pump (good to use a pre-filter sponge) in the sump and run your plumbing for that back up to your tank. (you have options on how you return it, you can use a single pipe opening, a spray bar, etc. Decide that before you buy your pump. Depending on how you want to return the water may affect the strength of the pump you'll need)
- Fill the sump with new saltwater as if you were doing a water change. (including temp)
- Once the water is aged a day or so and up to temperature and matching your tanks
sg, you're ready to turn your pump on
NOTE I say this because you said your tank is drilled. because it's drilled you shouldn't have to set up anything that requires a syphon, so the water should simply flow through the overflow and down into your sump.
Once you're sump is up and running, you can move any equip that is in your display thank that you don't want to see anymore and put it in the sump, such as heaters, skimmers etc.
(and don't worry about the kudos... happy to help)