Question about sumps

[Ytsejam02]

Hi,
I'm not actively using a sump, but I'm interesting in a long term plan to move towards one. I've been thinking about it and trying to understand it. So, pardon my ignorance.

One part that has me a little confused is the bio-media. I'm used to the concepts of older school filters, biowheel and canisters with their wheels/bioballs/ceramics, to grow and establish your good bacteria. What's the equivalent in a sump? Do they use any of this? I haven't seen anything to indicate that, not yet anyway.

Thx!

 

[cloak]

Check these out.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/dw/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/newbie/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/index.php

HTH.

 

[panhandler01]

Your live rock and/or live sand in the DT will take care of the biological filtration. Do not put bioballs or ceramic media in your sump. The sump is a place for your skimmer, reactors, dosers, ATO, and possibly a refugium. I have some live rock rubble in mine to help with biological filtration. A sump adds water volume to your system, making it more stable.

 

[A1t2o]

The sump is also a good place to breed pods. Similar to the refugium concept, you can grow a macro algae and/or have live rock down there for the purpose of propagating pods. Personally I think that the sump is worth it just for having the place to put your heater, skimming the surface of the water, aerating the water, and added volume. Enabling you to grow a macro algae for nutrient export and a place to put your skimmer are both big bonuses though.