Help with this setup, converting wet dry to sump?

What do you guys think of this idea, I remove the bio balls from the wet dry filter that I recieved with my 72G Bow front tank and replace that area w/live rock? This is basically going to be a FOWLR but maybe in the future I might want to try and add a feather duster / inverts ?

I believe this holds 15 gallons ...

My question is that where I place the live rock, will the water level be high enough to cover the whole live rock, what if some of the rock is in air w/water trickling down on it? Is that ok ... Any other pointers / tips / concerns you guys would like to metion is welcome!

Also, how high should I fill this with water?

I will also be running a UV sterilizer which is the hob kind..

Here is a pic...

 

I would put a heater in where water enters. Add a skimmer to the center where you want to put rock in (gives you more room for a bigger skimmer) and then a return pump in the last chamber. You could add live rock rubble in between once you get your equipment in but it's just be a place where debris would collect IMO.

 

Thanks Nuebie... Any other inputs?

Also, just a note, I will have 80lbs of base rock initially in the DT when cycling...Not sure if that weighs the decision in any direction.

 

+1

Also, with 80lbs of rock in the DT, I'd skip the rubble in the sump. Most times just ends up a detritus trap, anyway.

 

With that much rock in the display I would not add any to the sump.

 

What if I put Cheato where the bioballs are supposed to be?

 

That would be ok. I would use that space for a good skimmer myself. It's going to be hard to get a return pump and skimmer in that last section. Do you already have a return pump and skimmer?

 

Yeah I already have a protien skimmer (seems like an ok one for now, might upgrade in the near future) and return, they came from the previous owner so they both fit in the last section which leaves the middle section for whatever I'd like..

P.S. Appreciate al the help!

 

Well then yes. Cheato would be a good add Gor that chamber. Are you going to get it up and running soon?

 

Just set up the sand and Aquascape... Will put up pics tomorrow. Plan on hooking up the sump to the tank and if I have time tomorrow to fill up the tank with water so it can start it's cycling process!