I'm new to this and I am going to set up a sump. I'm going to use a 20 gallon for it. I'm going to have my protein skimmer in the first section. In the 2nd section do I use live rock and sand and baffle it before the return section? and would this be enough filtration for startup? I plan on having fowlr to start and hopefully somewhere down the road have some coral. I realize this has probably been covered somewhere here before, but I can't find it. Any help would be appreciated. (it's a 40 gallon tank)....thanks..John
Questions
- Thread starter grump
- Start date
Bifferwine
I am a girl
Most people use a three section sump -- skimmer and heater in the first, rock rubble and macroalgae in the second, and a return pump in the third. The second section is not necessary, but macroalgae really helps with nitrates, phosphates and nuisance algae in the display tank, and it provides a place for pods to breed so they can feed the main tank.
Smitty
Reef pro
+1 Biff...
Hiker4twenty
Reef enthusiast
Here's a picture of my fuge....10 gallons, but the concept is the same for whatever size you will use. They're very easy to build yourself. Just ask and we'll help you through it. I did a sloppy job with the silicone on the baffels, but I didn't care bc it's out of sight.
Last edited:
dcantucson
Reef pro
+2 Biff
Welcome to the site Grump. We're always willing to help out.
Welcome to the site Grump. We're always willing to help out.
sen5241b
Reef enthusiast
My nitrates and phosphates have been at zero for a year and I do not have a skimmer. I use a big bunch of chaeto in my fuge with strong light.
Hiker4twenty
Reef enthusiast
I hate my carpet! :pooh:
Does anyone have a link to basic setting up of a fuge, I`d kinda like one for my 29G, for when I get my new skimmer. I`m also with you Gump I have no idea, A list of the basic set up costs and materials would be nice. Thanks.
Also is it 100% nessercary to have your main tank drilled or could you just run pipes into it?
Ty
Also is it 100% nessercary to have your main tank drilled or could you just run pipes into it?
Ty
RyanG
Reef enthusiast
Grump, skip the sand in you refugium, it will just trap detritus and other wastes and be harder to clean. Live rock/rubble and macro-algae(cheatomorpha or gracilaria are the best choices) is the best setup.
FrugM here read this article, Grump you may find it very useful too.
https://www.livingreefs.com/refugium-basics-t451.html
FrugM here read this article, Grump you may find it very useful too.
https://www.livingreefs.com/refugium-basics-t451.html
