Adding a sump to an existing system?

surfnsalt · Mar 14, 2016

The system is a bb 14bc that's been running for 5 months. Sps only.(i know I know) Hydra 26 hd lighting. 4 head dosing pump( 2 for 2 part alk and cal and the other two heads do daily water changes that add up to 1.5 gal. A week.) Extra wc here and there also, Smart ato, reef octopus ns80 skimmer, reef keeper controller, dose acropower once a week. Small 6 line and a small clown for fish. Snails and one hermit for cuc. I just bought the eshopps nano cube sump. I want to add the sump for obvious reasons just worried about any negative effects adding a sump/ refugium could cause? It will add about 8 more gal. To the system. Was going to put some Miracle mud and try some cheato, mangroves, add some more rock. I can stick with the small skimmer or I have a coralife 65 I could put in skimmer section, but my nutrients are very low as it is. Any info or suggestions? Here are some phone pics of the setup.

millertyler22 · Mar 14, 2016

If everything is happy why change? Just out of curiosity

surfnsalt · Mar 14, 2016

millertyler22 said:
If everything is happy why change? Just out of curiosity

Worried about parameter swings in the small system, better filtration and growth of the system.

powers2001 · Mar 14, 2016

I just bought the very same sump! Can't decide to put it on my IM 30 long or IM 10. I would definitely add the sump. I also bought a Skimz Zeo-reactor.

surfnsalt · Mar 14, 2016

powers2001 said:
I just bought the very same sump! Can't decide to put it on my IM 30 long or IM 10. I would definitely add the sump. I also bought a Skimz Zeo-reactor.

Nice. I'm just worried about the effects on the system since its running already. Adding a refugium and a little extra rock, etc. Can it cause a mini cycle or something? Any other things too look out for?

powers2001 · Mar 14, 2016

There will be some ammonia increase as the sump is colonized by bacteria (a cycle) so watch your parameters. Would you use a HOB overflow or drill?

surfnsalt · Mar 14, 2016

Hob, too late to drill. Even though I have the bit from work to drill.

powers2001 · Mar 14, 2016

You could always transfer the livestock to tubs while you drill. BTW what aquarium app is that?

surfnsalt · Mar 15, 2016

Sorry fell asleep. Aquarium note. Ez reef is good as well.

powers2001 · Mar 15, 2016

I use Aquarimate but haven't decided if it is worth the $9.99. I also have Aquaticlog and just learning that one. Their app is part of a PC internet experience.

pelphrey · Mar 15, 2016

I'm running this sump and have multiple videos about it on my YouTube channel. It is a very well built sump and have many advantages (for me it was the fact it fit in my cabinet)!

powers2001 · Mar 15, 2016

pelphrey said:
I'm running this sump and have multiple videos about it on my YouTube channel. It is a very well built sump and have many advantages (for me it was the fact it fit in my cabinet)!

Heck ya I gotta see these!

surfnsalt · Mar 15, 2016

pelphrey said:
I'm running this sump and have multiple videos about it on my YouTube channel. It is a very well built sump and have many advantages (for me it was the fact it fit in my cabinet)!

I've watched them bud. Thanks for the info.

surfnsalt · Mar 17, 2016

All set up. But not connected to the dt just yet. I think I'm going to leave this sump right next to the dt. It's just a great looking sump if I can keep it clean and nice looking in the long haul. I made a 3/4 pvc overflow, and I hope there is no issue with the way it's all set up. Going to do final hook up Tom. After work.