To Sump or Not To Sump?

[daddy01]

Hi,
I am thinking myself whether to add sump, I only have a 25G tank, and can't (dont't know the difference) between sump and refugium(?)
Jim

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by daddy01

Hi,
I am thinking myself whether to add sump, I only have a 25G tank, and can't (dont't know the difference) between sump and refugium(?)
Jim

No reason a sump can't be both mine is!

Mainly, though, the basic idea of a sump is to hold equip, increase o2, allow for topoff, skim, extra filtration from rock, bubble remover from skimmer, uv sterilization etc, etc.

And in my case, with many others, the otherwise empty area is a small refugium for me, with diff macro algaes, and is currently home for my troublemaker dottyback

Although it is risky (I have a HOB overflow and a maxijet 1200 for return) I would never go back. I can add my liquid reactor, phyto, purple up, etc all for maximum dispursal and the extra amount of water and filtration is *huge*

As for sound, I have a sponge in there that makes it go from loud and drainy, to quiet as a mouse.

So if you can, do it. For the health of your livestock!

[Oscar]

As for sound, I have a sponge in there that makes it go from loud and drainy, to quiet as a mouse.

Sounds like a simple solution with the sponge, where do you install it?

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by Oscar

Sounds like a simple solution with the sponge, where do you install it?

you put it right over the drain hole, but I just tossed in a big fist size of chaeto and it did the same thing. Means I don't have to muddle with nitrate issues, and it does the same thing as the sponge Yay.

[Oscar]

Originally Posted by andsoitgoes

you put it right over the drain hole, but I just tossed in a big fist size of chaeto and it did the same thing. Means I don't have to muddle with nitrate issues, and it does the same thing as the sponge Yay.

For a newbie...

What is chaeto, as opposed to cheesies?

[Der_Iron_Chef]

"Cheato" is short for "cheatomorpha" which is a macro algae often used to absorb nutrients, which lowers nitrates. Most often kept in a refugium.

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

"Cheato" is short for "cheatomorpha" which is a macro algae often used to absorb nutrients, which lowers nitrates. Most often kept in a refugium.

What he said ^_^

So far it's been a week and I've had complete silence from my overflow, and the chaeto is growing like mad.

It's cheap, easy and incredibly efficient. I had to fiddle a few times when putting it, but now it's quiet as a mouse, and I'd know, it's right in my bedroom

[marie]

Originally Posted by daddy01

Hi,
I am thinking myself whether to add sump, I only have a 25G tank, and can't (dont't know the difference) between sump and refugium(?)
Jim

I refugium is a place for things to find refuge like macro algae (if you have herbiverous fish) and pods. It can be part of your sump or a separate tank that is still plumbed into the main tank.