new filter info requested...

[uf_gators]

I am looking to change out my current filter. I am running a fluval 205 canister with just ( poly floss, sponge, chem pure, purigen, and about 2 cups of ceramic media. In my DT I have about 30 lbs of live rock and dry rock mixed. Been running 9 months now, with no major issues. But I have been wanting to change to either a sump/ or trickle filter. But I am alittle confused on how they really work or how to do the maint. on them.

I guess , what is the main diff. detween these 2 . Trickel filter, and a sump. I will use my HOB eshopps psk75 on there, but I know I will have to mod it to make the intake a little longer. So no biggie there. I don't have any problems at all with my canister filter. Cause I am rinsing the media every other week, and change the poly floss at the same time. The thing is, it is just becoming a pain taking it apart, and putting it back together. just a hassle . lol

But if I went trickle, its I guess the same thing as my canister, but easier to access. But on a sump, I see some just have a sock, and skimmer, and return pump. So what about the good bio that you want to keep in there ? other wise wouldn't you have up and down levels all the time ?

this is where I don't really understand the diff between the 2 of them.
So I am looking for some of you guru's to help me decide which is better for me to go with, and a little info on these. I have watched youtube videos, and done some reading, but still abit confused on this. I am still new to the hobby, and learning more and more everyday...

 

[cee]

Go to a meeting and speak to ppl. It is not difficult nut the explanation is lengthy.

 

[EvilMel]

I'm not sure if this link will work correctly BUT...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/search?SearchableText=sump

Also, it would just be a LOT easier to show you what a sump setup looks like and what it's benefits are. I personally will not run another tank without a sump. I had a 135 for YEARS that was sumpless and messed around with HOB filters, canister filters, and HOB protein skimmers. I hate all that and won't ever do it again.

I think we might have the next meeting at my house so you're welcome to come and check out mine. A guy I used to know and I designed it and put in the baffles. I wouldn't say it's ideal, after using it for a couple of years but it's certainly not bad! It was cheap too. The biggest thing I had to deal with was making sure the chamber where my protein skimmer goes maintains a constant water volume. Also there was the issue of having enough room to put my skimmer and calcium reactor. So that's why it got designed the way it did.

If you want more biological filtration in your sump, you can always put live rock down in your sump but if you've got enough live rock in your tank...it's not necessary really. I have some in mine but it's just because I broke down another tank and didn't have another place to put it to keep it wet/live.