first time using sump...

[dean_alicia]

hey guys,

i was given a sump for my new 6x2x2 tank that is arriving soon. i have never used a sump before and wanted advice on the order of the media..
it has 5 sections, one for the pump and the others for media.
what i have is:
matrix - looks like small stones
aqua one noddles - same size and stone but with holes in the middle.
black foam like panels.
fine white wool like pieces.

i was thinking the order should go from where the water comes in - matrix, noodles, black foam stuff, the fine wool, and them pump. is this correct?

[canberra_plec]

ye just go for the biggest stuff first then through to the finner stuffs. do you have access to bio balls? they are great for sumps, i know people who dont even use other media just the balls. they are great because they basically cant clog :) water changes are required a tiny bit more often but for me at least it is worth it because my sump is not very accessible. also consider a pre filter of some sorts, even just a bucket of filter wool with holes in it before the water reaches the sump :)

[dean_alicia]

i can get bio balls. what would you replace with the bio balls in my sump??

[canberra_plec]

if i were you i would set up in this order, bio balls and depending on the bio media you are refering to, if it is a natural one with lots of holes and growns stuff easily. its hard to descibe but depending on whitch is more eporus i guess. the more pourus of the two put next between the ceramic rings then and the bio media. basically try not to use the wool in your sump. it will work but the sump once established will be able to handle the stuff easy without the wool. the finest i would use is the carbon matting which by the sounds of it is what your using..


sorry if this is a bit vague lol, struggling for the propper words...

[joz]

Hi Dean post a pic if you could.

But I would go bio balls in the main water drop area.
If you have a small partion near the end of your sump I would put a fine medium like dacron sheets because the bio balls don't stop fine particles.

If you have a spreader plate on top of the bio tower perhaps a dacron sheet there to capture the bulky rubbish first.

Here's a pic of mine which is not in use atm..(click on the pic)

http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1203944049 (http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8&d=1177730435)


You'll notice the small partition in the second part of the sump.
That's where I would put filter medium and a heater when in use.

I had to split my sump in half so it would fit into the two cabinet sections.