what to put in a sump?

so guys, what should i put in my sump? its a 3x1x1 feet sump, so its kinda big and i dont know what to put in it. cotton wool, bioballs, refugium, carbon?

 

Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

Melev's is a great resource with tons of examples and pictures.

Everyone will design their own sump to best suit their individual system.

You should try to get the biggest sump you can fit in your budget/stand/equip room. It will only be beneficial in the long run.

Next you will want to decide what components you will add into the sump - will you have an internal or external pump?
Will you have a refugium incorporated in the sump? Will you be using any mechanical filtration i.e. filter socks or pads? Chemipure bags(I am a huge personal fan)? Phosphate or GFO Reactor? Macroalae? Protein skimmer? Calcium reactor?

If you have a 3'X1'X1' sump I am guessing you have at least a 55G display tank which is a great start!

Next you will need to determine your layout, then you will need to implement some kinds of control of microbubbles and this can be done in several ways - first leave a large return section otherwise you will be topping off more than necessary. Next, be sure that you leave enough room in the sump that when you turn your main return pump off, the water that is normally being kept out of the sump by the pump is allowed to collect in the sump without overflowing.

Lastly, be sure that you have your overflow or overflow box set up to handle the flow your pump is going to create!

Good luck and happy reefing!!!!;D;D;D;D

 

I just finished a sump a few weeks ago. It was very easy. Check out this thread. I used the config. Telgar gave me, I think its on page 2. Good luck.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/help-fuge-build-93400.html

Brian