Help on sump

[tunicate]

Hi All,

I've been running my home FOWLR tank for 3 years, but it occurred to me last night that there might be room for improvement for the sump setup.

That's why I'm writing this to seek your expertise.

Below is a simple description of my sump compartments:

1st compartment

Overflow to filter wool with LR below.

2nd compartment

biohome, charcoal filter, PhosGuard & skimmer

3rd compartment

Some more LR & return pump

The size of my sump is restricted such that the skimmer can only be positioned in the 2nd compartment. Skimmer return is currently piped back to the 1st compartment to eliminate micro bubbles in the main tank.

It occurred to me that the skimmer return may contain a relatively high level of oxygenated water.

(1) Would it diminish the effectiveness of the bacterias residing in the Biohome & LR?

(2) Should I re-route the skimmer return back to 2nd or 3rd compartment instead?

(3) Or should perform (2), plus moving the Biohome into 1st comparrtment?

Thanks in advance.

[comycus]

bro v. kiasu sia, so many live rocks and biohome in sump...

If your current system works, stick to it. Why change something that is not broken?

Is there anything wrong with your current setup tt u would like to improve on?

[tunicate]

Is there anything wrong with your current setup tt u would like to improve on?

Hi Comycus,

Thanks for replying.

I find it difficult to lower NO3 level in spite of the water changes. I have been hoping to cultivate enough anaerobic bacteria in the Biohome & LR to take care of NO3 but without much success.

Do you think cycling the skimmer outlet back to the 1st compartment inhibits anaerobic bacteria growth?

[ReDDeviLs]

yea maybe tell us what prob you are facing or why u wana improve?

[tunicate]

yea maybe tell us what prob you are facing or why u wana improve?

I find it difficult to lower NO3 level in spite of the water changes. I have been hoping to cultivate enough anaerobic bacteria in the Biohome & LR to take care of NO3 but without much success.

Do you think cycling the skimmer outlet back to the 1st compartment inhibits anaerobic bacteria growth?

[comycus]

The water entering your 1st compartment is already oxygenated coming from the overflow. I don't think you should be concerned whether your skimmer outflow is too rich in oxygen.

However you are right in saying that anaerobic bacteria requires low or no oxygen + dark areas to grow. I don't think LR is a good media to cultivate anaerobic bacteria. Reefers usually either use a denitrator or DSB to control for nitrates. You might want to consider useing either of these 2 methods to control your nitrates.

However let me stress that fowlr tanks normally have higher nitrates compared to reef tanks because of the higher bioload of fishes. If you want to reduce nitrates, I strongly encourage you to reduce your feedings or number of fishes in your tank. X gallonage can normally support only x number of fishes. Overstocking too much will put too much stress on your system and invite a time bomb waiting to explode.

[tunicate]

Thanks for the advice.

Denitrator & DSB is not an option for my setup right now due to space constrain. I've also read somewhere that larger pieces of LR do have potential for cultivating anaerobic bacteria. If that is true, my current stock of LRs may be less tan optimal in size.

I've also been keeping tab of the bioload in the tank.

Thanks again.

[comycus]

If I had a chance to redesign your sump when starting the tank, I will take away the LR in 3rd compartment and install either a dsb or denitrator. However, in your case, I would suggest not to change anything unless u have fish dying due to high nitrates.

Are you currently dosing any bac? I find tt it helps me. When was the last time you did a water change? One of the best nitrate exporting method is conducting regular WC.

[tunicate]

No worries here, no fishes dying lately.

Oh? I always had the impression that bacteria dosing is only for initial tank start-up, rather than normal maintenance regime.

[comycus]

Oh? I always had the impression that bacteria dosing is only for initial tank start-up, rather than normal maintenance regime.

2 schools of thought here really. Up to you to decide which you wanna subscribe to.

[FuEl]

Filter wool is not really effective. Once it clogs up water will just flow past it rather than flow througgh it. Customise the sump for filter sock, 100% efficiency in mechanical filtration. Filter socks have to order from overseas though, locally don't have.

[tunicate]

Thanks FuEl. This is something new to me. Is there any web site where I can read up more on this 'filter socks'?

[FuEl]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Filter_Sock_Mec...IFMMEFS-ct.html

They are reusable. Just bleach the sock and let it air dry for 24 hours after rinsing with tap water. Best to get 2-3 for rotation.

[tunicate]

Thanks FuEl. much appreciated.

[comycus]

Filter wool is not really effective. Once it clogs up water will just flow past it rather than flow througgh it. Customise the sump for filter sock, 100% efficiency in mechanical filtration. Filter socks have to order from overseas though, locally don't have.

one point to take note of. Filter sock is 100% effective. Tt means tt almost nothing gets past it. You will have to clean it quite often or the sock will clog up v. quickly. Of course if tank is v. clean then nothing to worry about.

[tunicate]

Point noted