Sump Configuration

[rk4435]

I finally got around to filling up the 90 gallon tank that I recently bought used. You guys have given me advise about the skimmer and uv sterilizer. I confirmed that I have no leaks and managed to figure out the plumbing somewhat. I am attaching a link to a picture to ask for even more advise.

I'm sorry that I could not figure out how to annotate the pictures correctly.

1. At the bottom of the picture I have an arrow pointing to the mystery piece of plumbing. As someone that has been running a biocube and 36 bowfront with HOB filters I am baffled by plumbing. Does anyone know where it should be?

2. At the right of the picture I have an arrow pointing to the chamber that should have the bioballs. It sounds like a nice tropic waterfall. I'm still uncertain if I am going to use them or maybe try Seachem Matrix. Is the crazy loud sound because the chamber is empty?

3. The middle chamber that I have circled will have the protein skimmer. By now you can tell that I am no genius. With a protein skimmer in this chamber, does that mean that I cannot have a refugium here as well?

4. Finally, the radiator looking (return) hose on the left side that I did not identify is going to be replaced when it is time to move this thing indoors. What is the best type of hose to use?

5. I am assuming that the uv sterilizer will go somewhere between the return pump and return hose. Is that correct?

http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/rkidwill/media/SUMP1_zps5a83ffa0.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=0">Sump Configuration Photo by rkidwill | Photobucket</a>

Thanks for the feedback. I hope to have this thing up and running in a few weeks once I feel less stoopid.

 

[ringo®]

1. Lets see the overflow ....looks like it goes in there
2. I use a similar sump....I went matrix instead of bio balls. Should have a top basket as well for a filter media pad. A combo of both will quiet it down a bit.
3. I would skip the refugium. If that's the sump I'm thinking of, that's not a very big chamber.
4. I like that hose

 

[rk4435]

Thanks Ringo, you're right, the mystery piece will probably fit on the overflow pipe. I'm not sure about the physics of it but I'm sure there is a reason; I'll give it a try tomorrow. The radiator hose I am skeptical about has very rusted tightening straps. I know that I can replace them when I am ready to go, but is there a better way to tighten that hose if I keep that style?

 

[jdavid]

Looks like the top of a durso standpipe. It should make it much less noisy

 

[ringo®]

rk4435;874498 wrote: Thanks Ringo, you're right, the mystery piece will probably fit on the overflow pipe. I'm not sure about the physics of it but I'm sure there is a reason; I'll give it a try tomorrow. The radiator hose I am skeptical about has very rusted tightening straps. I know that I can replace them when I am ready to go, but is there a better way to tighten that hose if I keep that style?

I prefer zip ties to metal hose clamps.....there's nothing to rust