Sump

[PessimisticOptimist]

I finally created my sump this weekend.

In interst of full disclosure, I used Melev's DIY sump as a guide. Melevsreef.com - Welcome!

Although certainly not as clean, aesthetically, excess silicone being quite messy, I am hopeful it will be functional and stable. Time will tell I suppose, especially when I water test it. I am going to allow extra time for the silicone to cure, since it is located in my basement with relative high humdity.

Thoughts?

[V]

sweet bud!
DIYing gives a great sence of achievement when it works as its meant to...lol

Baffle on the right side - how come silicon goes horizonal - multi parts?

All in all - sweet job, well done

[PessimisticOptimist]

Baffle on the right side - how come silicon goes horizonal - multi parts?

I had a couple properly sized small width pieces laying around so I figured I would place additional horizontal bracing for the tallest baffle, which is actually the refugium wall. So the wall is one piece with two strips added for supposed additional support.

[Phurst]

Very nice! I think that should serve you quite well

[CarmieJo]

What are you planning to put in the fuge? Melev is a great resource for sumps.

[PessimisticOptimist]

What are you planning to put in the fuge? Melev is a great resource for sumps.

Dunno for sure yet.

I have never utilized one [fuge] before. My current plan is somewhere between a 6" DSB and or 20 lbs of LR. Eventually, perhaps some macroalgae. I tried to made it as big as possible to provide me more options. I calculated the volume to be ~ 40 gal

Admittedly, this [refugium] area of our hobby I have yet to experience and still have much knowledge to gain. But, I am confident with time and effort, as well as a few mistakes, I'll gaina good working knowledge. I have found this is a hobby which encourages me to read and then rewards my research

Furthermore, I am always open to experienced advice.

[CarmieJo]

Extra sand and rock are always good! I am a big fan of macro too so I'd at least add a ball of cheato.

[PessimisticOptimist]

Extra sand and rock are always good! I am a big fan of macro too so I'd at least add a ball of cheato.

I have heard Cheato mentioned often. Upon reading a bit, I am a bit concerened by it's reported toxic capabilities. However, I seldomn hear a bad first-hand story of the consequences of the toxicity. I think I need to learn more.

[CarmieJo]

This hobby, like many, is replete with "briny legends". I have both cheato and caulerpa and have never had a problem with either.

[PessimisticOptimist]

What do you do with the macro as it grows, feed it to your surgeon fish and other grazers?

[CarmieJo]

You can feed it to the vegetarians but mostly I give it away.

[PessimisticOptimist]

You can feed it to the vegetarians but mostly I give it away.

What are the benefits of keeping it, if not to feed the grazers, improved gas exchange? In your experience which is the better algae, i.e more easy to grow, control, harvest, use a food source?

[CarmieJo]

The real benefit of macro is nutrient export. I grow both cheato and caulerpa. Caulerpa has been known to "go sexual" although I have never had that happen. I believe that if you prune it regularly and light it 24/7 you won't run into any problems. I think caulerpa grows faster than cheato. I like cheato because it grown in a dense ball like a brillo pad and I use it for micro-bubble control.

[PessimisticOptimist]

Provide light 24/7? Wow. I am surprised that does not make it proliferate all the more.

I guess I'll have to look into obtaining a batch of each once my ssytem is fully on-line, which I estimate to be by mid September.

[bbl_nk]

Looks good. I was at his site too scoping the sumps. I have found many sites are very basic with the assumption you know what the heck all the parts are and have seen them working first hand. He breaks it down quite well on the pros and cons and gladly shares his troubles along the way and what works.

I am looking at the same setup on a smaller scale since I have limited room under my 75g. I am planning on using an 18g tall tank with the skimmer and return pump outside the sump...this for two reasons, more water in the sump not gear and less heat. Also looking at the same skimmer-->return-->fuge setup.

Anyone have any knowledge on how to build in an area to deliberately try and trap detritus? was thinking about some acrylic sheets perpendicular to the baffles at an angle.

[PessimisticOptimist]

Anyone have any knowledge on how to build in an area to deliberately try and trap detritus? was thinking about some acrylic sheets perpendicular to the baffles at an angle.

I plan to simply employ a filter sock at the end of my intake line to the sump. Which reminds me, I need to order a couple.

[bbl_nk]

PO, I am about 50-50 on the filter sock idea...sold on it one minute, decide to go sockfree the next. But then again I am the guy who can NEVER decide on what to order at a restaurant...I am the sample platter guy for sure! Indecesion drives me nuts...anyone want to make my mind up for me! )

[Phurst]

If you could see the crap mine catches, you wouldn't have any doubt

[PessimisticOptimist]

Well I was originally planning to utilize somewhat of a trickle down system in my sump, filter floss followed by activated carbon as the water entered the sump. However, my plans have changed.

Now there will be a sock over the terminal end of the pipe shunting water into the sump as well as the one dumping into the fuge. I will place the activated carbon in the retrun section of the sump at the base of the last baffle.

[CarmieJo]

The 24/7 lighting and pruning assure that the caulerpa doesn't need to sporulate in order to survive.