wetdry question?

92gallonreefer · 07-02-2008, 10:32 PM

i am getting ready to start a new tank and want to add corals in the future, there for i dont want to have to change anything latter. i bought a eshopps wd-125cs ( Eshopps: Filters ) what are some things i could change to make it ready for corals when i start the tank? thanks and any help with my other thread would be helpful.
Moving and Upgrading my Tank

Thanks,
Thomas

**CarmieJo** · 07-02-2008, 11:46 PM

I would not use the bioballs. They are great for converting ammonia to nitrite to nitrate and that is OK for fish but not for corals. I have a converted wet/dry under my corner tank because it fit but it has never had the bioballs in it.

92gallonreefer · 07-02-2008, 11:52 PM

should i just take out the bio balls and replace with live rock or and anything else as well?

**CarmieJo** · 07-03-2008, 12:11 AM

In mine I use the bioball section as a refugium and I have LR chunks below that.

bbl_nk · 07-03-2008, 09:27 PM

Definitely would refrain from the bioballs and look into some macro-algae and/or live rock rubble. I'm doing a DIY sump from a glass tank and am looking to have both macro and LR rubble to help filter. Do a search on converting wet/drys to sumps here or on Google and I'm sure you will find plenty of pics and info

**Amphibious** · 07-03-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92gallonreefer

should i just take out the bio balls and replace with live rock or and anything else as well?

You can get a good idea, with pictures, of how I converted a W/D to a sump/refugium at my 135 tank thread here -
Amphibious' 135 gal reef.

92gallonreefer · 07-06-2008, 12:56 AM

thank you every one for your help and advice! I knew when joining this forum that nothing but lots of answers and advice would follow. Thanks

Also carmie did you add that baffle you your sump or was it already there? ( the one just to the right of where the bioballs would be)

**CarmieJo** · 07-07-2008, 07:45 PM

The baffle was already there. It was supposed to hold a sponge to act as a mechanical filter but it works great to keep the sides separated.

92gallonreefer · 07-08-2008, 05:31 PM

Should i put a light over my sump or just leave it dark underneath?

Quote:

CarmieJo - The baffle was already there. It was supposed to hold a sponge to act as a mechanical filter but it works great to keep the sides separated.

should i consider adding one to mine?

**Amphibious** · 07-09-2008, 10:24 AM

If you intend to grow marine algae for nutrient export then you will want a light. If you are using the sump simply to increase the volume of your system then you don't need a light. Many reefers grow various marine macro algae in their sump and put a light with a timer on a reverse daylight setting to help control pH swings between day and night.

I have a single bulb standard 16" fluorescent aquarium light that I leave on 24/7.

Dick

**CarmieJo** · 07-13-2008, 07:13 PM

You don't have to have a baffle but it does help keep the extra LR I have down there on its own side.

Mine slides into a track but it could be glued into place. While you are gluing I would also glue lengths of rigid tube on below the water line to act as probe holders. This is on my to do list the next time I empty the sump. Depending on the depth of your sump and the height of your heater you could also make a heater holder. I have a Penn Plax B11 battery operated pump that comes on when the power goes out. I am going to make a holder for the airline tube too.