New Sump

[ghost48]

This is the sump that came with my new 85 Gal corner tank.

1. Do I need to put check valves in the return and drain pipes?

2. Should I throw out the bio balls and put live rock in that space?

3. I have two 150 watt stealth heaters should I put them in the sump and if so where would be the best place. The pump room would be tight. If put them in the front will they be in the way of the refugium area?

4. Do I need a sponge filter at the output end of the skimmer?


I know lots of questions but I am trying to not make too many mistakes getting it set up.




http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=223734

[barbra]

1. Not if you can engineer it so that no siphon is formed, which is a better way to go because the check valve will restrict flow and then fail when you need it.

2. Yes

3. Hard to say, experiment until you find what works best.

4. No. Try to avoid sponges if you can, they only add to your maintenance. Construct a bubble trap instead if that's what your concern is.

[ghost48]

Thanks I want to end up with fish and soft corals, Everything I have read says to not use bio balls, is one area of rock enough?

what is a bubble trap and why would I need one?

[barbra]

I assumed the question regarding the sponge had to do with bubbles. The water exiting your skimmer does not need to be filtered, it just was.

Bubbles form by the water moving into/through the sump. This is a bubble trap, go about 2/3 of the way down the page:

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html