I have a sump, not using the plastic ones but I have marine pure biospheres. I have the plastic media cup with the sera crystal clear filter balls on bottom, carbon on top of that, purigen on top of that, and then a cut out filter sponge from fluval brand on the top. And two RedSea mesh socks. I also have a Aquamaxx protein skimmer.Bio balls and a canister filter is your nitrate factory.. need a sump with skimmer, fuge and start carbon dosing if needed.. activated carbon will not help..