Hello & New Sump Advice for Newbie

[CWH]

New Member Here!!!

Let me start with saying how awesome you folks all are. I’ve been reading this forum for months and everyone here is so helpful.

I need some help: I just bought my dream tank: Red Sea Reefer 425XL

I don’t think I set up my sump correctly and need some suggestions. No aftermarket changes to the sump - 3 compartments. Current set
1. Filter socks x2 Media bags in cups x2, the few pieces of live rock, chaeto and a bunch of bio blocks
2. Protein Skimmer
——baffle——
3. Return

I’m getting algae growing on the bio blocks (I think I put too many). I read that chaeto should be tumbling which mine def isn’t doing since I think I put way too many bio block in the compartment.

I’m getting algae growing on the bio blocks (I think I put too many). I read that chaeto should be tumbling which mine def isn’t doing since I think I put way too many bio block in the compartment.

1. Less bio blocks - they currently take up about 75% of compartment and chaeto is stationary
2. Wrong compartments - chaeto, live rock and bio blocks all in same compartment, skimmer is by itself
3. Something else

trying to post pic but haven’t figured out how to do there here from my phone.

any ideas

Corey

 

[CWH]

Here are the pics (I’m new to this so don’t judge me too harshly )

 

[JZ199]

Welcome! You will find tons of help and support here.

it's hard to tell by the pictures how many bio bricks are in there by the pictures, but most setups the first chamber is like yours with the filter socks (large particles) then the second chamber would be for smaller particles(skimmer) and you could have your bio bricks in there... If you need something to lift your skimmer up you can use the bio bricks as a skimmer stand also to save space, then your third chamber would be your nutrient removal where you have your refugium for the chaeto.

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[CWH]

JZ - thank you for your message. I attached a diagram of the design. The bio blocks take up over 50% of the compartment.

Should I be switching the compartments and put the skimmer in with the blocks and then move the chaeto to the 2nd chamber

 

[Zach B]

Welcome Corey

 

[jsker]

Here are the pics (I’m new to this so don’t judge me too harshly )

If you saw my system, you would be a pro

You really want the blocks in a high flow area. If you are trying to get you Nitrates down, change your filter socks more often or even better, get one of those roller things. The block are good but can also trap the waste along with filter socks. Cleaning regularly and changing the sock will help a great deal.

 

[TheBear78]

Welcome to the forum.
In my 425XL my sump is set up differently.
I have drain chamber > socks/media cups > skimmer/reactors > refugium/bio media > return pump.
There are often questions about these sumps and which chamber is for the skimmer versus the refugium. There are pros and cons to each...
In the refugium section I have bio blocks and a lump of lava rock (no chaeto). If I was going to use chaeto I would move the bio blocks to the skimmer chamber (there's room for both) and use the refugium solely for chaeto. The lava rock is only there for a QT/hospital tank quick set up and i would just remove it.
I think that having a grow light shining on the blocks is asking for trouble!

 

[SPR1968]

Welcome to Reef2Reef Corey

 

[dlsorensen]

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board!

 

[CoralB]

Welcome !!!

 

[G Santana]

Welcome to the Reef

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Hello, and welcome to the channel

 

[Sean Clark]

Welcome to R2R.

 

[CWH]

Welcome to the forum.
In my 425XL my sump is set up differently.
I have drain chamber > socks/media cups > skimmer/reactors > refugium/bio media > return pump.
There are often questions about these sumps and which chamber is for the skimmer versus the refugium. There are pros and cons to each...
In the refugium section I have bio blocks and a lump of lava rock (no chaeto). If I was going to use chaeto I would move the bio blocks to the skimmer chamber (there's room for both) and use the refugium solely for chaeto. The lava rock is only there for a QT/hospital tank quick set up and i would just remove it.
I think that having a grow light shining on the blocks is asking for trouble!

Bear - that was extremely helpful thank you so much for that

based on your suggestion, I rearranged to this:

1. Socks/media
2. bio blocks across the bottom, skimmer on top with some live rock around it
3. Chaeto alone with light shining away from everything else
——Baffle——
4. Return

you guys are awesome

 

[CWH]

Bear - that was extremely helpful thank you so much for that

based on your suggestion, I rearranged to this:

1. Socks/media
2. bio blocks across the bottom, skimmer on top with some live rock around it
3. Chaeto alone with light shining away from everything else
——Baffle——
4. Return

you guys are awesome

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[BetterJake]

Welcome!

 

[blaxsun]