I couldn't decide if this was a more of a DIY or a Reef Forum thread, but decided to put it into Reef Discussion since there really are not any reef-specific consumer products like this.
My 465 gallon tank incorporates 100 micron filter socks into the MRC sump, and all filter socks let the ultra fine detritus through, so everyone gets it eventually. I currently just use a python type suction hose and remove it from the sump this way, but thought I might give one of these a try to see what effect, if any, it has on mulm accumulation in the 155 gallon sump I use on my bare bottom 465 gallon SPS tank.
I have read a few threads on RC and other Forums talking about building a Detritus Settling tank made using polyethylene cone bottom tanks. These cone bottom tanks are used for wine fermentation, some biodeisel applications primarily, and they concentrate debris in the bottom of the cone, and there is usually a valve in the bottom of the cone, which allows you to open the valve and flow off collected crud in the bottom of the tank. For a reef tank, these go in-line after the overflow, but prior to the sump proper. Below is a picture of a typical one. Several manufacturers make them.
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The idea is the water from the tank overflow goes into this tank first, the detritus settles into the bottom of the tank, and the water overflows from the upper area of cone bottom the tank into the normal overflow inlet of the sump. You just turn the valve you install in the bottom of the tank to drain out the collected detritus
I have a 55 gallon cone botom tank/stand like the picture above on order, along with some bulkheads, etc. My plumbing system is modular in that I use unions, so I can alter the setup to incorporate this, but if it does not work I can put it back to the way it was before. Main thing with this cone bottom tank will be determining how it would be best to have water enter it. I plan on installing some schedule 80 bulkheads into it for the water to enter and exit, but just where to do so I'll have to wait until I get the tank and the hardware.
Just wanted to start this thread, and I'll update with pictures once I gather the tank and all the other stuff.
Dave
My 465 gallon tank incorporates 100 micron filter socks into the MRC sump, and all filter socks let the ultra fine detritus through, so everyone gets it eventually. I currently just use a python type suction hose and remove it from the sump this way, but thought I might give one of these a try to see what effect, if any, it has on mulm accumulation in the 155 gallon sump I use on my bare bottom 465 gallon SPS tank.
I have read a few threads on RC and other Forums talking about building a Detritus Settling tank made using polyethylene cone bottom tanks. These cone bottom tanks are used for wine fermentation, some biodeisel applications primarily, and they concentrate debris in the bottom of the cone, and there is usually a valve in the bottom of the cone, which allows you to open the valve and flow off collected crud in the bottom of the tank. For a reef tank, these go in-line after the overflow, but prior to the sump proper. Below is a picture of a typical one. Several manufacturers make them.
The idea is the water from the tank overflow goes into this tank first, the detritus settles into the bottom of the tank, and the water overflows from the upper area of cone bottom the tank into the normal overflow inlet of the sump. You just turn the valve you install in the bottom of the tank to drain out the collected detritus
I have a 55 gallon cone botom tank/stand like the picture above on order, along with some bulkheads, etc. My plumbing system is modular in that I use unions, so I can alter the setup to incorporate this, but if it does not work I can put it back to the way it was before. Main thing with this cone bottom tank will be determining how it would be best to have water enter it. I plan on installing some schedule 80 bulkheads into it for the water to enter and exit, but just where to do so I'll have to wait until I get the tank and the hardware.
Just wanted to start this thread, and I'll update with pictures once I gather the tank and all the other stuff.
Dave
I had a dimple in the bottom of the tank that served the same function as the cone. I only used the wand instead of a bulkhead due to the system already running.
