Stocking a sump with filter media

[goldenpigeon]

hey everyone.

i have just had my new 3FTx18x18 sump delivered to me and i now need to stock it with filter media. i will be using the sump on 2 3FTx15x18 tanks which are for breeding.

i just thought i might see what people like to use in their sumps as this is my first sump.

my sump has 4 sections:
1. heaters
2. media
3. media
4. media and return pump.

i need to work out what i want to use in the 2nd and 3rd sections and in the 4th ill have bio balls.


the sump is matrix style BTW.

cheers
David

[Tunnel Rat]

Hi David
Not sure about what you mean having bio balls in section four.The last section of a sump is normally under water If that is right use Matrix in the last section.
I would go first filter wool sheeting it will get soiled first and you can replace it often.Second jap bio mat with a piece of filter wool sheeting on top so it can be replaced easy & to catch any dirt when you change the first wool section.Section 3 & 4 go all bio (Matrix or similar).
I just put my sump together its not a full Matrix style as I went with both bio balls & matrix style sump it may give you some idea.
Post a pic of your new sump.

There is a up section behind the wood with a piece of bio jap mat at the bottom & coral bone on top.The empty section now has a pump in it that pumps water to a FBF filter & back to the last section.In this shot the pump was off the water level sites lower in the last section.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/Snaper/sump.jpg



Rat

[Tunnel Rat]

Sorry missed the bit about you having your pump in section four so you can only go with jap matting in there no Matrix my bad :( .


Rat

[mistakes r crucial]

Hi David,

If you're going to run a wet and dry try to get the water to sprinkle over the entire surface of the dry part of the sump as you'll also give yourself a degassing chamber, something we have found to be of great value.
MAC