Should I Remove Coral Chips From Sump?

[ervine]

Hi guys,

I've heard people advocating the use of a skimmer & refugium alone in the sump (+ some filter wool which is to be replaced frequently). This is because using bio-balls & coral chips can actually cause them to become a "nitrate factory".

As for myself, I do not have a DSB, only liverock and 3" sandbed in the main tank, filterwool, coral chips, skimmer & refugium in the sump.

Should I remove the coral chips?

Thanks,

Ervine Lin

[Achilles Tang]

Yes. Pointless to have them as coral chips serve no real purpose in the sump. Unless you want them to trap detritus and become nitrate factories.

[ervine]

Will I have a problem with breaking down waste? Since I have no DSB?

[Achilles Tang]

Waste before it breaks down to NO3 needs to be taken out of the equation.

A good skimmer is key to achieving that. Or lots of water changes. Or you have a functioning DSB/Plenum system. Or LOTS of LR.

[ervine]

Okay I think I'll give it a shot... thanks!

[ervine]

Alright, coral chips removed... and boy did it trap a lot of dirt.. phew..

Will give it a week to see how the difference...