Sand in Sump?

I'm in the process of getting my 55 gallon FOWLR up and running. It's come time for the sand decision. I am going to be using an AquaC Remora skimmer in a 10 gallon sump with probably around 75 lbs of LR in the main tank for filtration purposes. My plan was to go wiith a SSB (2") in my main tank since I like the looks of that best and it seems to be the easiest. I don't know what amount of sand I need to put in the sump if anything.
I've read a lot of posts from people that say they have a DSB (or 4"+) in their refugium but would I want to do this in a sump (no refugium planned)? What would the experts suggests I do?
BTW: I am looking for something that is easy to maintain.


Thanks!

 

If your planning on using ain sump skimmer then don't put any sand in. Will clog the pump.

 

Okay, that makes sense.
Is not having a refugium going to be a long term problem for me?

 

A refugium is not a requirement. People who choose to go with one usually do it for nitrate reduction/water clarity. JMO, I would opt for the strongest skimmer you could afford.

 

Maybe I'll work on that in the future, right now I think I've got my hands full already. I have a AquaC Remora with the MaxiJet 1200, hopefully, that will get the job done!

 

VT, upgrade the pump on your remora to a Rio 1400+ pump, it will greatly improve skimming. The MJ pumps at 296gph vs 420 for the Rio. You might want to cosider doing a refuge. All you need is a light source and some macro algae.

 

I will look into the upgrade for the skimmer. I could use the MaxiJet as another powerhead for circulation in the tank. I already have two but I guess another couldn't hurt. The guy I bought the tank from had a refugium and he gave me a Home Depot type spotlight that he had hooked up to it. Is that good enough? I was under the impression that I would need to seperate the sump into various areas with acrylic or something like that, is that not right?

 

if you are just running a fowler, i wouldn't think the sand bed would be that big of an issue. just keep that remora running and use a decent clean up crew to take care of the detritus...

 

Jalli makes an 18w power compact for $20. All you need is a piece of acryllic sheet and some aquarium silicone sealant both available at home depot and you can make a small compartment to separate the refuge from the return pump. Check out this site for designs-
www.melevsreef.com/links.html

 

Thanks for all the help so far. A couple more things come to mind with the sump.

Should my Mag 5 return pump be bracketed or clamped down? Right now it is hooked up to my return line and just kind of hanging out in the middle of the sump.

Is there a good method to figure out exactly how much water to have in the sump or is the do you just start with a little and keep testing until you find it? My worst nightmare is a flood!