buzzy Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 hi whats the best way to setup a freshwater tanks sump?do i need baffles and what materials should be placed in it?, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alextret Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 My solution was just a separate tank with a standard bottom filter (driven by a powerhead) and a lot of gravel. Easy and cheap. Seems to work, but I have to objective measure as to how effective it is. Fancier set-ups are probably more powerful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 Check out the FNZAS mag for this month, there are 4-5 pages about building tower/trickel filters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 He can't if he isn't affiliated to the FNZAS or subscribed to the Aquarium World magazine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanksman Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Baffles are what you need when using a sump.. I would have them in the middle of the sump so that you can have a spare tank either side as well. I use Gravel and pumice in the baffles of mine with a big sponge prefilter where the water first runs into the baffle to get to the pump on the other side. Here is a couple of pics this is my sump - Its empty in the pic. Ideally the baffles would be closer to the centre however you wouldn't want it under the brace as it would be near impossible to get gravel etc out (which is also a problem with using gravel and glass but ...) On the left it has a compartment that could be filled with bioballs or noodles or chopped up straws apparently but I havn't used them. This is a good sump I though to - it was on Trademe but down in Christchurch so too far away. It has the dry / trickle section on top and the trickle system does look like it would be a great filter if you can get the water returning evenly over it all. The whole sump even has a big drip tray underneath it by the looks. One thing I do know from experience is the more dense your media is the less water you can get to flow through a given surface area. So if u had a 5000 gph pump your sump needs to allow 5000gph running through the baffles or it will just flood over the baffle without filtering it. So sand is out more than likely as it is too dense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzy Posted February 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 cheers tanksman, i see what you mean and will be getting one made soon as, thanks for the help and pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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