sump design
- Thread starter madball13
- Start date
d0ughb0y
Active member
Regarding sump design, I've seen several sump designs where there is a small section that takes the overflow water, then rises up and goes to the filter sock section. I think this design defeats the purpose of the filter sock because detritus can end up in that small overflow section and never reach the filter sock.
Dale_M
Official Noob
If there is any trapped detritus in the small section it could easily be vacuumed out with a wet/dry vacuum, so I would not be concerned about it. I still like feeding the water directly into the sock however.
I made it from black acrylic. As a side note I like to use black acrylic on either side of the refugium to block the light and minimize algae growth in the sections adjoining the refugium.
d0ughb0y
Active member
exactly the reason why it is a bad design.
I think the reason for this design is to muffle the sound of water splash or bubbles coming into the sump, as this section is usually completely enclosed. maybe for durso overflow, this will help, but is not needed for herbie.
The first generation eshopps sump feeds directly to the sock, and is partially enclosed to muffle any water splashing sound. I use this sump and durso and it muffles the water sound enough. The newer generation separated the drain to its own section, which can have detritus collect, defeating the purpose of the filter sock, at least partly.
feeding water directly to the sock is the right design, which is what you have.
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d0ughb0y
Active member
I see them on ebay, but I think are way overpriced.
they are described to be installed on glass aquarium, which in another thread here on RC says never to do as it will crack a glass tank.
you can get a standard aquarium and buy cut glass to build your own sump. There are standard hang on sock holder for 4" or 7" socks you can get for cheap.
I've built sumps with acrylic baffles in glass tanks and never had a tank crack. As long as you don't cut the acrylic so big that you have to wedge them in tight there is no reason for it to cause a crack.
I've heard them say acrylic expands and contracts different from glass but we're not exposing them to large temp swings. My tanks stay within 2-3 degrees.
I've heard them say acrylic expands and contracts different from glass but we're not exposing them to large temp swings. My tanks stay within 2-3 degrees.
The reason for the pipes to have there own section is because it makes the socks easier to change. U don't have to shut down the system to change the socks. It's actually quieter to have the pipe go straight into the sock because u don't have a waterfall going into the sock.
The only way detritus will build up in that section is if u have real low flow. Any real amount of flow is enough to keep detritus in the water column & not collect in that section.
I wouldn't say eighther way is wrong because they both work. Having the pipes in there own section makes it easier to change out the socks, the only downside is it takes up a few extra inches of the sump.
You need to clean them every 3-4 days or they are of minimal value, but if you stay on top of changing them out they definitely help reduce nitrates and phosphates. I keep a 5 gallon bucket half full of water and a cup of bleach that I dump the dirty socks into. Every couple of weeks I wash all the dirty socks in the washing machine with a cup of bleach (no soap or detergent) and then air dry them. Not a lot of work for quite a bit of benefit IMHO.
AlSimmons
New member
Aside from using a filter sock for a few hours during a water change I've never found the need to run one 24/7. Just as an example, I'd much rather have any food that goes over the falls keep making revolutions throughout the system until something can utilize it as opposed to just sitting in a sock rotting for days on end. Same goes for the clownfish fry that show up on a regular basis too. Some of my corals have a field day when this this happens and I would hate to deprive them of that.
When I really stir things up then I'll put that filter sock to good use, but until that time comes I just don't see the point.
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Here is a top down view of the sump I built for my 120. I like the Filter sock/skimmer->refugium->return pump configuration.
This is the best arrangement for me and nearly identical to the DIY 40 breeder I made into a sump.
Bulk Reef Supply just ran an experiment with filter socks and they were proven to reduce nitrates and phosphates when changed twice a week. There is a smaller benefit if you change them out weekly or every other week.
AlSimmons
New member
I don't really see how this applies to me being that I'm not having any problems with both Phosphates and Nitrates without using a filter sock, but I'd love to see the experiment if you can post it.
Btw, where are the Phosphates and Nitrates coming from in this experiment? Tap water, dry rock, overfeeding, overstocking etc? Couldn't you just nip some of these in the bud first? Better husbandry perhaps? A filter sock just doesn't sound like the go to approach when dealing with these things IMO.
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Elricsfate
New member
It's on YouTube. On BRStv. BRS Investigates. Probably best just to subscribe to the channel. They do something new every week, and all of it is informative. And some of it debunks things you read on various forums repeated like gospel.
