Sump/Refugium Question

really? bad day? i'm sorry, I hope it gets better.

 

sounds good, the original advice for the 75 stands

 

No problem, it is a great question actually. bio balls are supposed to increase the avaiable surfaces for the bacteria to colonize and work to break down the nitrogen cycle as you mentioned. The problem is they also trap a lot of detrius and uneaten food etc. unless your a fanatic at cleaning them at least weekly. The end result is the detrious buildup overpowers the bacteria and begins producing Nitrates.

 

It's what I did and I have a 60g. It's the same dimensions, only 3 feet long. I made my fuge 15" deep. Wanted the most volume. My DSB is 5". Honestly, you don't need 10" of water. Just more for the light to cut through. But it's no big deal. Also, bigger fuges don't do "better". you will only grow what the nutrients support. Mine is 15g of actual water. I think 12 inches long? My point is don't make a fuge half the tank.

Now the real beauty is the other 3 feet you will have to work with. Plenty of room to have any skimmer you want. Plenty of room for carbon and GFO reactors. Tons of room. Make your skimmer section 10". Most skimmers work best in 10-8 inches, so you will be good for any. You have lots of options. That's a good thing.

 

ya bad day.

 

Read my article on sumps filters and fuges below. I address that in there.

 

alright yeah thanks for all the help.

 

I dont see it. I appreciate it too.

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

 

Thanks Telgar. I just assume everyone sees them.