Sump - Mechanical Filtration?

I'm going to build a sump soonish (maybe this weekend?) --- What do I do to replace my mechanical filtration that I have currently? I understand the skimmer in the sump... but am confused as to what people generally use.

Ideas?

 

In case it matters, the sump will need to fit under my 55G DT... will be about 15ish gallons total I think.

My current HOB filter is a marineland emperor 400.

 

You can continue to use the mechanical filtration you currently have if it will still fit. Generally most don't have mechanical filtration as the sump can work as a settling area. Just clean out the sump periodically.

Some put socks on the inlet to the sump.

 

OK, sounds good. I was going to just phase out my filter over the next months since I want to make sure I compensate for the bio filter that has accrued on the pads. Thanks!

 

I,ve removed my filter sock in the past after reading many posts about people not using mechanical filters on there reef tanks. To put it bluntly my water looked like crap with no filter sock, so I put it back in and just change it with a new one twice a week. I also have a big protien skimmer but still had "stuff" floating around in the water. For me it is easier to change a filter sock twice a week than vacuum out my sump.

 

I have no mechanical filtration, besides the skimmer. I do run 2 reactors though. My nitrate and phospate levels stay solid at zero (at least "undectacble)

i have been considering putting a sock in my sump cause i do have stuff floating around. and trying to clean my sump is a pain.

 

That "stuff" floating around is food for the coral. Coral do not eat once or twice a day in the wild, they eat continuously off particulate in the water column.

Here is some reading for you.

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