Should I change my filtration system?

[TonyOrlando]

I currently have a wet/dry filtration system with bioballs. Sump is small and is only about 7-10 gallons. I have a 72 gallon bow front system. My tank has been cycling for 4 months now and it will be a reef setup. So i will be buying protein skimmer etc. My question is.....should i remove the wet/drystem and add 20 gallon aquarium sump or something else. If so what exactly should the process be and what type of equipment should i get. Thankyou so much for any input.

 

[serpentman]

I would go with the 20gal or larger. This will give you more room for the skimmer and other equipment as well as more system volume. If you stay with the current setup, ditch the bioballs as they trap detritus which leads to increased nitrates.

 

[mikeandjenn99]

I'd consider even going with something around 30 gal. Definitelt ditch the bio balls, but only do it a little at a time so you don't upset your system too bad.

 

[MimicTang]

can u add a skimmer to the wet/dry?? if so you'll be fine.

 

[Vi3tKid420]

well, you can never have too much filtration at the same time, if u have room leave the current one u have on it also.

 

[TonyOrlando]

im getting mix responses here. Should i keep the bioballs or rid them, should i keep the wet/dry and forget the 20 gallon sump? and what equip should i think about adding

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8738409#post8738409 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vi3tKid420
well, you can never have too much filtration at the same time, if u have room leave the current one u have on it also.

wet dry filters are not as good as a sump with a big skimmer
you can also have a fuge in your sump get as big a sump as you can fit

 

[TonyOrlando]

might be a dumb question, but exactly what is a fuge for my sump and how do i create it

 

[bertoni]

Bio-balls sometimes lead to an increase in nitrate levels, especially if not cleaned regularly. I'd remove them, but they might not hurt.

This page shows a sump with a built-in refugium:

http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

 

[staticx]

The bigger the sump the better they are cheap and easy to make. you basicaly have three compartments in a sump. One for your drains going into the sump one for your fuge and one for you return pump. You can also put your skimmer inside where your drains go into your sump. Some people will split there drains and put a drain in the fuge but its uop to you