a sump question

[-LEVI-]

Hi, here's another newbie in the field /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif I have many years of experience with tropical fishes, but none with marine fishes. I purchased a 75g tank about a week ago, but I don't plan to put anything live in it for another 2-3 months.

I am reading a few books, and many recommend not to use a sump as a beginner. I was wondering what is involved with the maintenance of a sump? From the pieces of information I found on sumps I assume it is a separate tank with bacteria cultures and filters in it. Would you recommend using a sump right away?

Thanks,
Levi

[Chuck S]

A sump is a good thing. It is basically another tank usually under the display tank which for one allows for more water volume thus allowing for more dissolution of waste as well as a place to put all the unsightly equipment such as main pump skimmer heaters etc. You can add your top off water here as well as dose any chemicals. I think what you reading about that might not be for beginners might be a refugium which is used to grow out macro algaes and amphipods coepods etc to help feed the system and provide absorbtion for some of the organic waste produced.

If I were you I would go with at least a 20 gallon sump for as big as you can go. You can use a rubbermaid container if you wish. If you have specific questions on design or anything just ask.

[-LEVI-]

Yes, I do have more questions, Thanks /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
What do I put in the sump? The fractioner and the filter? Is it a powerhead that's moving the water in and out of the sump?

ps: I saw the set of 4 secrets series books (Bob Goemans) on the masna shopping site. Would you recommend that for a beginner?


Levi

[Chuck S]

I would recommend most any book on the hobby to the beginner as that is the best thing you can do is read.

You use NO filter. The live rock is your filter. You would have an overflow bring water to the sump where you have the thermometers skimmer etc etc you then have a pump that pumps the water back at the other end of the sump.

[-LEVI-]

Shouldn't I have a canister filter for occasional carbon filtering?

[Chuck S]

No kind of filter. You can always use a filter bag and through some carbon in it and place it in the overflow for occasional filtering. Thats what alot of people do.

[-LEVI-]

I see, thanks!