What would you include in a sump?

[edsbeaker]

Hi, I would love the advice from you experienced reefers.
I am planning out what features to include in the sump for a IM 170 gallon to best achieve my goal of having

1. No mechanical filtration in place
2. Enough pods to keep a mandarin fat and happy.
3. Keep nitrates and Phosphates at a reasonable level for a softie / LPS tank.

The sump has the drain and return section, plus two additional sections that are typically used for a skimmer and refugium.
I already have a skimmer and Algae turf scrubber so the decision shouldn’t be based on the expense to buy any additional equipment.

Please include your reasons along with your votes.
Thanks!

 

[KrisReef]

Note. Turf Scrubber does not grow pods, but a refugium can as well as plants to scrubber the water.

 

[edsbeaker]

Note. Turf Scrubber does not grow pods, but a refugium can as well as plants to scrubber the water.

So are you saying the cryptic zone to grow pods + ATS would accomplish what the refugium alone would do? Do you happen to know if there is any truth that a cryptic zone would help more with mechanical filtration?

 

[reef tank 2.0]

skimmer and a bunch of rock for filtration. other than the internal return pump, that's all I have in mine.

 

[F i s h y]

Water? To obvious? Biggest refugium with macro you can.