Setting up Sump

[Vinoth]

I am planning to setup a 3ft sump(reuse my old tank).

My intention is to keep fish only(later plan to keep corals also. After i have gained enough experience)

My current setup :

3ft Tank(with IOS)

4" Sandbed

around 25kg live rock

using bio rings in IOS

ORCA 25 Protein skimmer(not happy with the performace).

Pls advice me on my new sump design. What are the things i require?

1. Protein Skimmer - Decided on weipro as many suggested. Which model of weipro i should go? Also what pump i should buy?

2. Bio Balls required? In my office i have seen bioballs are used as filter media.

3. Return pump to my display tank. Which one to buy? (going to use with i-box 800 so approximately 3000 litres may be less than that. Immersible type).

Any suggestions or advices from fellow reefers?

Note : I am going to DIY my sump

[terryansimon]

I can only help you in terms of the skimmer and pump.

skimmer. depends on the sump and height clearence. what do you want with your sump? you want it to be submerged in the sump? or outside the sump with a line out from the sump? (= if budget is the issue on your mind, get a Weipro. always get a skimmer that can skim to your tank capacity. and always cater for excess of +20gallons the least. *can be less, depending on you.* reason is its always better to have a bit of leeway than to walk on a tight rope. if you get what I mean. (=

as for return pump. I know I'm biased in giving this recommendation. but get an Eheim. for what its worth, you'll get a pretty decent flow rate. since you're talking of 3000L/H, get a 1262 which returns at 3400L/H. (= Petmart is selling it for $215 if I'm not mistaken. prices may have changed, so don't come and kill me if you find out they've raised/decreased their price.

I hope the above helped in one way or another. (=

[Vinoth]

Thanks for your suggestion. I intend to keep my protein skimmer inside my sump. I guess weipro can do that(Which model 2013 or 2014?). i cannot use Eheim 1262 since I-Box 800 can handle only 800 gallons.

[Vinoth]

No Advices or suggestion? Reefers with sump can share their experience.

[soggy]

i guess a 2013 would be good enough. but as for the return pump, you've got to wait for someone else to answer that.

[jc85]

Since ur Sump is as big as ur main tank, it may be better to create dsb there instead? maybe up to 6"?

Many people dun recommend bio-ball so it really up to ur preference.

As for skimmer, i think combine capacity of ur tank and sump will be better if u hav 2014. You got to calculate the actual amount.

Just my 2 cents

[Vinoth]

Then no filtration media is required in sump? Have DSB both in sump and maintank? Is it really beneficial to have in sump?

[jc85]

Most people will just have it in their sump as long as the sump is as big as the main tank. If u have DSB in both, I believe it will be double efficient. Anyone who has done it can advise?