Sump Filtration.

[Salman123]

Hey, I'm new here, was wondering should the filter and skimmer in the sump have the capacity to filter the sump, tank above, or both combined. For example, if I have a 20 gallon sump and a 40 gallon tank above should the filter and skimmer be able to filter 20 gallons, 40 gallon, or 60 gallons.

 

[edsbeaker]

Typically the equipment, any dosing or additives, medications, etc. is based on the ACTUAL total water volume in the system. Even though you have a 40 gallon tank and a 20 gallon sump, you might only have 30 gallons of water in the tank, and 10 gallons in the sump. In this case your total water volume would be 30+10=40 gallons. You would have to take your best guess.

 

[Idech]

What kind of filter would you be using in a sump ?

 

[Salman123]

What kind of filter would you be using in a sump ?

A marine land penguin 350 HOB filter. And I'm still trying to find a good skimmer

 

[edsbeaker]

A marine land penguin 350 HOB filter. And I'm still trying to find a good skimmer

Your rock will be your biological filter, no need for a HOB. Here are some good reads for you. It will help explain what you need and what it does.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cycling-an-aquarium.306554/

 

[Pntbll687]

Hey, I'm new here, was wondering should the filter and skimmer in the sump have the capacity to filter the sump, tank above, or both combined. For example, if I have a 20 gallon sump and a 40 gallon tank above should the filter and skimmer be able to filter 20 gallons, 40 gallon, or 60 gallons.

A skimmer should be able to handle the bioload and actual water volume of the entire system.

How big is the system?

 

[Salman123]

60 gallons in total. Sump and tank above

 

[Pntbll687]

60 gallons in total. Sump and tank above

I'd go with a good, dc powered skimmer rated for 75+ gallons. You'll be able to tune the dc pump to get a good skim, and you won't have to be worried if it's enough when you add fish/coral.

Don't overcomplicate things. Some mechanical filtration (filter socks, filter cups), a good skimmer, and return pump will go a long way.

 

[Idech]

A marine land penguin 350 HOB filter. And I'm still trying to find a good skimmer

That’s not needed, as someone else said. Keep your money for salt or fish.

 

[Salman123]

That’s not needed, as someone else said. Keep your money for salt or fish.

Do you have any other good options?

 

[Salman123]

I'd go with a good, dc powered skimmer rated for 75+ gallons. You'll be able to tune the dc pump to get a good skim, and you won't have to be worried if it's enough when you add fish/coral.

Don't overcomplicate things. Some mechanical filtration (filter socks, filter cups), a good skimmer, and return pump will go a long way.

Thanks, should I put the filter socks as soon as that water comes out from the return pump.

 

[Salman123]

Thanks, should I put the filter socks as soon as that water comes out from the return pump.

Also, what is a good sump setup, do you guys have any videos you used, or people you read. I want a 20 gallons sump with a 40 gallon above.

 

[edsbeaker]

If you will be using filter socks they would be in the first section of your sump. The water from the tank drains into them before moving through the sump.

As far as skimmers, I’ve always had luck with reef octopus. You will need to know the footprint of the skimmer section in your sump before choosing one, though. You want to make sure it will fit before buying one. A 20 gallon sump will have a fairly small area for a skimmer.

You should do some reading of the two links that I sent to you. They will answer a lot of your questions.

 

[Reefering1]

You should do some reading

^^^^^This^^^^^

 

[Idech]

Do you have any other good options?

In saltwater the rocks are the filtration as they become live. You don’t need any filter per say. You can use mechanical filtration in the sump though, like filter socks or even just filter floss.

 

[Salman123]

Thank you all for your help!! Really appreciate it,

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hey, I'm new here, was wondering should the filter and skimmer in the sump have the capacity to filter the sump, tank above, or both combined. For example, if I have a 20 gallon sump and a 40 gallon tank above should the filter and skimmer be able to filter 20 gallons, 40 gallon, or 60 gallons.

Total system, but just bear in mind there is no test that tells a manufacturer what their skimmer is good for (at least not one they use for that purpose or ever give any supporting evidence). It's not like measuring lumens of lights. It's just a marketing thing of what size tank they (and who is "they"?) believe would use that particular skimmer for..