please help with a couple sump questions

[gerry45]

I really want to put a sump under my 75 gallon new reef tank but undecided over a few issues.

If I use a trickle filter should I ditch the bio balls? I have 30 lbs live rock so far and a rena xp3 with bio rings.

I must use an overflow,should I put in an extra siphon tube for backup?

and one big question, If I want to go on a holiday for say 10 days, how often should some one check on it?
I suppose it should be checked regardless but hear horror stories of plugged lines to sumps and floods!

 

[WaterKeeper]

Hi Gerry,

By all means don't use the bioballs/media, the LR and sand remove nitrates an accomplishment that is often hindered in tanks running a wet/dry. Having two overflows is a big plus. You never know when a wayward snail will plug an overflow.

The holiday thing is somewhat hard to say. Many people use auto-topoffs and feeders and leave the tank for quite some time. One of the key issues is evap rate on the tank. Without an auto-topoff it will determine how often some needs tend to the tank.

Food is less important and most tanks can take a least a week of no food without serious consequences, just mean looks from the hungry fish.

 

[michaeldaly]

Why get a trickle filter if you plan to ditch the bio balls
Extra siphon tube is up to you

 

[gerry45]

I just figured trickle filter was easier than trying to build a sump.

then again maybe just a 30 gallon with glass baffles would be good enough. just so nervous about floods with overflow box.

drilling tank is not an option.

Is a sump just to hide equipment and extra water volume enough to justify it?

also,what return pump is best?
my lfs says quiet one 4000 but its expensive!
distance to top of tank is about 5 feet.

 

[zenzence]

Using the quiet one 4000 pump at about 1000 gph which would probably be sufficient at 5 feet. With one overflow rating about 450 to 500 gph that pump should do the job,perhaps you should consider a mag 9 (much better pump IMO). I have been using a external overflow from the very begining. The key is to make sure the output of your return pump is sufficent to prevent bubbles from building up in the U-Tube. As for the cost welcome welcome hahaha.
Just my thoughts