Sump size question

Is a 10g sump/fuge too small for a 55g fowlr. I have one around with a light so i was hoping to use that instead of buying a new 20l+lighting.

What other suggestions do people have to make it inexpensively,for $120?

 

20 long 40 dollars, mag 7 return pump 50 dollars, overflow with pipe 60 dollars.
Some do it yourself sweat and glue... Priceless
All jokes aside, that really is the cost of those items.

Jim

 

Will a sump/refuge handle the bio filtration. right now I only have 10lbs of live rock to seed 40lbs base 80lbs aggorate/20lbs ls and a fluval 404. I want to get rid of the canister and replace it with a sump/fuge. I currently have no fish and 4 hermits. Would a wet dry work better for my set up I do not plan on corals(well maybe shrooms)

would a set up like this with a fuge in the middle work?
http://www.4fishtank.com/wet_dry_filter_kit.htm
I would make the kit myself but this is the general idea. With the baffles it looks like it would cause the biotower to be half submirged in water?

 

Yes, that will work although I'm not sure you need the wet dry. You can keep the fluval for mechanical filtration if it is needed. A skimmer is a must in a fowlr..
Anyone else care to chime in on the advantages of a wet dry over just a regular sump with liverock and macro algae??

Jim

 

I want to return the fluval filter and build a new/better filter with the money. Right now I do not have much live rock 10lbs (55g tank)so I figured that untill the base rock seeds I would need some bio filtration. As the rock becomes live i would remove the bioballs and convert it into more of a traditional sump/fuge. I know that wet dry filters need maintence to prevent high nitrates, but i also figured that the alage would help with that. I also have a Aqua C HOB skimmer that is currently breaking in.

 

I like wet/drys on FOWLRs. Less maintenance and more effective than a canister. You can find cheap ones online or make your own easily. Also another advantage is that you can put your skimmer and heater in it as well as set up an auto top off.

 

Try a penguin or emporer bio wheel filter if you decide against the sump. I used 2 penguins in my FOWLR tank until I had enough LR and set up my sump. They worked well.

 

What about the design of the wet/dry in the link above. Wouldnt the bio balls be half way submerged in the water with the divider in place for the refugium. Would I want to make the dividers smaller from the fuge to get a small 1in waterfall into the fuge.
Thanks for all of the answers

 

I would check ebay if you are going to use a wet/dry system like that. I just mentioned the biowheels because they are an inexpensive way to get started . About $25 online. Later when you have the funds then buy or build a nice sump and fuge.