Weird Sump

[rhyan]

I bought this tank used, this is also the first sump we've had. I have seen many pictures of sumps, but this one looks nothing like them. I understand that this is a custom built tank and sump, but it doesn't seem to do anything besides exchange water from the tank and the sump. It has a gravity fed intake and a pump at the back to put the water back up to the tank. There is an open area underneath the skimmer and pump which I am assuming is supposed to be some sort of refugium. It's got sand and a little cheetoh in there too. Is it just me, or is this sump really messed up? I think this sump needs more filtration. The guy I bought it from has had it for many years with no problems, so I don't know if it's really hurting anything. Should I modify this sump? What can I do to make it better?
Sorry I couldn't get better pictures, but my stand is too small to get a wide enough shot of the side. I hope these pics will do for now.

 

[pondman]

It's prob an old wet dry trickle converted to a sump.that chamber where your skimmer sets used to have bio balls.at least thats what I see I could be wrong.

 

[kschweer]

I agree it's probably an old wet dry. You could do some small modifications if you want. The first thing I would do would be to get a filter sock holder and have the water drain into the sock. This will give you some mechanical filtration.

 

[rhyan]

That's what I was planning on. Thanks for the help.