Lowest Maintenance Sump??

[Charley75]

Current set up: 150 gal mixed reef with Emerald 39 sump. Trying to find the quietest and easiest sump set up.
Originally ran 3 filter socks and got sick of constant cleaning.
Current: replaced socks with media cups. I cut round pieces out of foam blocks to create 3 layers in each cup…largest pores on top. I also put the plate included with the sump on top of the socks and a foam pat on top of that.
STILL constantly removing and cleaning media or the water overflows splashing into the skimmer section.
Trying to find easier and quieter option. Considering the following:
1. Back to socks…400 micron mesh
2. Remove foam and fill cups with some type of Biomedia
3. Fill entire drain section with live rock
Would love input on options and obviously other options as well.

 

[X-37B]

I use 400 micron mesh on my 150.
It catches the big stuff and leaves a fine layer on the bottom.
Tanks 1.5 and I have not cleaned the sump.
The mesh socks last 4+ weeks.
I made an acrylic cover and drilled hole over each sock.
Works well and helps reduce noise.

 

[Joe31415]

Tear that section out and replace it with a filter roller. I went from changing filter media every few days to having to replace less than once a year. At least on my tank, they last a *long* time. Beyond changing the roll from time to time, it requires just about zero maintenance.

 

[Idech]

I use a long strip of filter floss over the sock compartment. Can’t beat that for easiness. If you have a refugium, paint it black so light doesn’t spread and you don’t have algae to clean everywhere.

As for quietness, it will depend on the pump. A DC pump will always be more quiet. My Ecotech Vectra M2 is very quiet. Oh, and also find a quiet skimmer, like the Simplicity DC.

 

[Charley75]

Thanks for the input. All pumps are currently DC already. Varios 8 and Varios 4 running my skimmer. I just hate the sound of splashing water, and most of seems to come from the drain section.

 

[Idech]

Thanks for the input. All pumps are currently DC already. Varios 8 and Varios 4 running my skimmer. I just hate the sound of splashing water, and most of seems to come from the drain section.

I don’t know your setup but I hate the sound of splashing water too and I have none of barely any when everything is well adjusted.

What seems to be causing the noise ? Do you have a video, maybe someone might have ideas to reduce it ?

 

[slingfox]

Replacing the filter socks with a rollermat will lower maintenance significantly.