? For those who do NOT use filter socks

[Syntax1235]

No socks, detritus settles in sump and I'll vacuum some out once in a while, but it's not a priority. Nitrates are about 2.5 with spectracide dosing and phosphate is .03. Detritus doesn't cause nutrient issues in my tank.

 

[TNT32D]

I ran socks on my older bigger tanks because without them I found myself cleaning the fans/worm things that grew in my skimmer?

 

[Tautog]

I have never had socks ! Water goes into sump compartment with skimmer, and also goes into refuge.
I clean sump before every WC, and suck any debris in between from the DT to the sump.

 

[Waterjockey]

Can i see your sump setup? I really like this idea of what you are doing with your sump.

Sure! I'll take pics when I get home tomorrow

 

[ReefNerd76]

Sure! I'll take pics when I get home tomorrow

Awesome thank you

 

[becks]

No filter socks here, no problems with nutrients and the detritus feeds my pod population

 

[jcdeng]

5 year old tank no socks, vacuum the return section once a year, have not cleaned the refugium, so the "sandbed" in there is actually detritus.

 

[Waterjockey]

Can i see your sump setup? I really like this idea of what you are doing with your sump.

My sump isn't pretty, but it works for me :). The returns come in the left, where my skimmer sits, and spills over an 8 ich high weir. My skimmer always stays in the same depth water all the time. The middle has a dividing wall parallel to flow. You can see one powerheads in the first shot, pumping water along the bottom in the opposite direction of sump flow. The 2nd shot shows the other half of the middle section, where there is a power head below the little ball of Chaeto. From the middle section it just goes over a little wier to the return pump. Very simple set up.
The third shot just sorta shows the setup overall for orientation.


View attachment 20161214_184830.jpg

 

[ReefNerd76]

My sump isn't pretty, but it works for me :). The returns come in the left, where my skimmer sits, and spills over an 8 ich high weir. My skimmer always stays in the same depth water all the time. The middle has a dividing wall parallel to flow. You can see one powerheads in the first shot, pumping water along the bottom in the opposite direction of sump flow. The 2nd shot shows the other half of the middle section, where there is a power head below the little ball of Chaeto. From the middle section it just goes over a little wier to the return pump. Very simple set up.
The third shot just sorta shows the setup overall for orientation.


View attachment 20161214_184830.jpg

Awesome setup actually, here is my sump, it's 90% DIY

 

[Waterjockey]

Awesome setup actually, here is my sump, it's 90% DIY

Nice job. Looks really good!

 

[ReefNerd76]

Nice job. Looks really good!

Not sure if my DIY protein skimmer is strong enough but it works lol