Sump Questions

[epic.exposures]

Hi Superfriends of the Aquatic Palace

I am an advanced aquarist, I have owned a couple salt water tanks over the last few years, and sold my collection when I moved cities last December. I am now settled in my new home and purchased a terrific 56 gallon square tank.

Previously I had a 29 gallon reef tank, a 14 gallon bio-cube, and a 10 gallon, fish only tank. Each had it's own canister filter (except the bio-cube). Each tank also had a UV filter as well.

Now that I have purchased what I deem as a major upgrade in the aquatic world I need a little help.

I really like the canister filter configuration, however according to my LFS the canister would have to be a supplement to a sump, and a protein skimmer. I also want to use the UV filter as well.

So a couple questions (and ANY OTHER advise you would like to add)

1.) What kind of sump for a 56 gallon tank?
2.) DO I need something with Bio Balls or just basic filtration?
3.) How do I know which overflow matches which return pump?
4.) What happens if there is a power outage, will my house flood?
5.) How big should the sump be ?
5.) Is the flow of the sump in relation to the flow of the canister filter? (I.E. 400-600 gph)
6.) Are there any sump brands I should stay away from?
7.) Whats the best setup?

Thanks to those who respond. I am doing this the correct way and buying the pieces with each pay check untill I have a complete setup. I currently have a t-5 light setup, two 150 watt heaters, a powerhead, and all the small things like test kits, hydrometers etc, I deffinetly do NOT want to skimp on my filtration. Please help as I chatter my teeth nervously.

Thank You!!!!
-Tim

 

[DoubleM 10]

Hi Superfriends of the Aquatic Palace

I am an advanced aquarist, I have owned a couple salt water tanks over the last few years, and sold my collection when I moved cities last December. I am now settled in my new home and purchased a terrific 56 gallon square tank.

Previously I had a 29 gallon reef tank, a 14 gallon bio-cube, and a 10 gallon, fish only tank. Each had it's own canister filter (except the bio-cube). Each tank also had a UV filter as well.

Now that I have purchased what I deem as a major upgrade in the aquatic world I need a little help.

I really like the canister filter configuration, however according to my LFS the canister would have to be a supplement to a sump, and a protein skimmer. I also want to use the UV filter as well.

So a couple questions (and ANY OTHER advise you would like to add)

1.) What kind of sump for a 56 gallon tank?
2.) DO I need something with Bio Balls or just basic filtration?
3.) How do I know which overflow matches which return pump?
4.) What happens if there is a power outage, will my house flood?
5.) How big should the sump be ?
5.) Is the flow of the sump in relation to the flow of the canister filter? (I.E. 400-600 gph)
6.) Are there any sump brands I should stay away from?
7.) Whats the best setup?

Thanks to those who respond. I am doing this the correct way and buying the pieces with each pay check untill I have a complete setup. I currently have a t-5 light setup, two 150 watt heaters, a powerhead, and all the small things like test kits, hydrometers etc, I deffinetly do NOT want to skimp on my filtration. Please help as I chatter my teeth nervously.

Thank You!!!!
-Tim

i have a standard 55 gal(4ft long)

i have an eshoops sump(has 2 chambers i would have to check the box about 10-15 gal)
i have a reef dynamics skimmer(INS-80 amazing!!!)
mag 9.5 return pump( u get a check valve to slow the flow to match the overflow)
a lifereef overflow(up to 700gph)
1 aqueon 700gph power head
1 250gph aqueon powerhead
1 300watt heater aluminum(i have another as backup still in the package)
no bioballs for me!! thats up to you if you want the maint on them
i have about 70lbs of rock
i have 40lbs of sand
a 48" HO T5 setup
i have no canister filter and mine is a fish only.
i dont think their is such thing as a best set up because all of us have different goals in mind. its whatever suits you.
in the event of a power outage you should drill a hole in the top of the return line just below the water line to stop the siphin back down to the sump. the overflow will slowly stop and you will not overflow the sump.
once set up make sure you perform a fail test to make sure nothing happens. at least you would be their to watch and make sure nothing gets out of hand.

Matt

 

[Toddrtrex]

My replies in red.

Also, is your tank going to be Reef Ready, or are you going to drill it, or use a HOB overflow.

.....

1.) What kind of sump for a 56 gallon tank? The biggest you can fit, would go for at least a 20 gallon sump -- can make it yourself
2.) DO I need something with Bio Balls or just basic filtration? Would skip the bio-balls. Put in a skimmer, some live rock and/or macro algae
3.) How do I know which overflow matches which return pump? Let the overflow be the deciding factor, if your overflow can handle 600 GPH, get a pump rated for that, or less -- you can throttle back a return pump with a ball valve without issue.
4.) What happens if there is a power outage, will my house flood?
With a proper set up, nothing will happen. Make sure your sump can handle the extra water when the main pump is off
5.) How big should the sump be ? Answered with #1
5.) Is the flow of the sump in relation to the flow of the canister filter? (I.E. 400-600 gph) I wouldn't bother with a canister
6.) Are there any sump brands I should stay away from? Just make your own out of a standard tank
7.) Whats the best setup? In what sense?

....

 

[epic.exposures]

I will be using an overflow, and the best setup for the sump is what Im looking for. I.E. What filtering media, what size protein skimmer, etc...

 

[Toddrtrex]

I would suggest getting a LifeReef overflow -- IMO/E, it is the best one out there, and well worth the money.

I would keep it basic -- have a good skimmer, a fuge, and return section. The vast majority of sumps are set up that way and work great.

 

[sslak]

Here's my 20g long sump. Simple setup.
Left to right:
Drain/Skimmer Section (Octopus NWB-100)
- Baffle -
Refugium (rock/chaeto/heaters)
- Bubble Trap, Over/Under Baffle -
Return Section (Mag7)

I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[mfforeman]

Check out www.melevsreef.com for some good info.

 

[epic.exposures]

How the heck do you glue te baffles in and where did you get te baffles? Did you cut them yourself?

 

[Toddrtrex]

How the heck do you glue te baffles in and where did you get te baffles? Did you cut them yourself?

For myself, I picked up some 1/4" acrylic, cut them myself (( just need to score it, and then snap it )), and siliconed them in place. 7+ years later, they are holding just fine.

Here is my 20 gallon sump for my 58,