Wet Dry Filters...

Hey All,

As I have posted, I am looking into upgrading my tank. I am going to get a larger tank with built in overflows, and also a new sump set up. I noticed that All-glass makes a new "sump", but it also has a bio ball tower in it, which immediately makes me think of wet dry filters. Do you all have any thoughts on the pro's or con's of using wet dry filters with a reef tank?

Also, any suggestion on where else to get a good sump - pre-built is preferred. I'd love to build my own, but I do not have the time to dedicate to it (even if it only takes a couple of hours) - I travel during the week for work, and have a 2 year old at home...I am lucky to get enough time to do my weekly tank maintenance.

 

I think that wet dry filters are old school. Over time you end up with detritus and chunks clogging the bio balls or similar material. This causes the wet dry to become a nitrate factory instead of reducing it. Many people have been removing there wet drys and using the set up as a sump or converting it to a refugium.

You would be better off having a good skimmer vs. wet dry.

Pre made sumps can be very nice but expensive. I have a Tru-Vu acrylic sump/refugium combo and I love it but I sorta have to. over $300

You will have to spend some time plumbing any sump you get even if it is AGA that will match you tank and you can plumb a super expensive sump as easy a $15 plastic tub from Wall Mart. The plastic tub from Wall Mart is the cheep way to go but you can also use smaller tanks I had a AGA 15 gal aquarium as sump.

Check out the different set ups on this site in the photo gallery and here is one link to web store that sells sumps.
Aquadirect :: Sumps & Refugium

Good luck

 

Thanks for the info, that is kind of what I was thinking as well. Does anyone else have any good sources for sumps?