Sump setup

[LVMuruguy]

Hi all,

I'm going to be adding a sump/refugium in the near future to a 55 gallon tank.

With the addiction of the sump tank and a larger volume of water, will this trigger the start of a new cycle?

I'm also wondering what, if anything I need to put in the filter compartment of the sump. I currently have a fish only setup. I plan to also use the refugium compartment with a bed of sand and rock and am wondering if that should be enough filtration or if I need to look into filter medium.

Thank you

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

A sump will not start a cycle it will only add water volume.
Usually a sump holds equipment so it is not inside the tank.
Live rock is filtration, sand is a dirt trap unless very deep for denitrification.
Filter socks can be used but have to be changed & cleaned VERY OFTEN.

 

[LVMuruguy]

Thanks for the feedback.

I thought the added amount of water could start a new cycle if there isn't enough established bacteria in the current tank. I guess that would only happen if there is also an increased amount of waste?

I am using micron socks at the inlet and will have a skimmer. There is a compartment between the inlet and the skimmer compartment that I assume is for filter media. Are you saying I should leave it empty? Or is filter media recommend in addition to live rock?

 

[Sk8r]

No filter media unless you get one of those ceramic micro-pore blocks. You could put cheato moss in there if you light the sump 24/7.

 

[LVMuruguy]

Perfect, thank you!

I will be getting a light and will put moss in there. I've also read that people put shrimp and other beneficial organisms in there but I have more research to do in that area...