Sump/Skimmer Help Needed (with big pics)

[Cleveland]

Sorry for the big pictures!

I just bought a new-to-me fish tank, and this sump tank came with it. I have no idea how to use this to it's fullest. What are all the compartments for?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Clevelands_Aquarium/Sump9.jpg



What is the big hole in the middle? It looks like it had some larger bulkhead on there.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Clevelands_Aquarium/Sump8.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Clevelands_Aquarium/Sump6.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Clevelands_Aquarium/Sump5.jpg


What are the small valves attached to the side, near the top?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Clevelands_Aquarium/Sump7.jpg

Basically, how do I hook this thing up?
Also, I have a G3 skimmer from my last tank, and it is very straight forward. What is this skimmer, and how does it connect with this sump? The tank is 250 gallons.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Clevelands_Aquarium/Skimmer2.jpg

Thanks!

[Cleveland]

Anyone?

[Cleveland]

:(

[Roger928]

Great reading here:

http://wetwebmedia.com/marsetupindex2.htm

[sabbath]

Did you try their web site?

[uscharalph]

I've never seen a sump quite like that??

[Cleveland]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10809305#post10809305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Roger928
Great reading here:

http://wetwebmedia.com/marsetupindex2.htm


Thanks for the link. I have been over that page a few times. I am really looking for assistance with this particular sump.

[Cleveland]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10809932#post10809932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sabbath
Did you try their web site?


I did try their site, but I think that the sticker might be from who was maintaining the tank for the previous owner.
The store that I bought the tank from just shrugged when I asked them.
From the condition of the tank it was obvious that the LFS didn't even know that the sump was under the stand. There were all sorts of light ballasts and live rock thrown in there, too.

[Cleveland]

Can anyone out there teach me about this sump and skimmer? Please?

[Cleveland]

hopeless bump

[Prodd]

Hey, Im only a newbie myself, but if i were you the best thing is to research sumps and how they work/what they do, that way you can use it for what you want/how you want. Be imagingative, you have the kit just think what you want and use it to your best ability. there are plenty of threads on this site about sumps read them all then see what you can do with yours. just my $0.02.

[pikachusalad]

Throw it out and make a new one? :P

I'm not trying to be negative...I've never seen one like that...

You think you have all the pieces? Can you talk to the guy who sold it to you?

[oddball516]

make yourself a new sump and use your g3, thats a much better skimmer that that thing, what ever that thing is.

[cello]

By the looks of these pictures, this is what I think.
Water comes into the sump from the left side..Water will exit through the holes to the forward section and travel to the open part to the right of the sump...the remainder of the water coming into the sump will travel to the right, through the bubble traps and into the center section that appears to be a build in protein skimmer...Looks like the skimmer is missing some parts to it such as a pump that looks like it would attach to the right hand side of this where the big hole is...The foam generated by the skimmer will travel upwards and of of the top hole onto a collection cup (also missing)...the two valves there are used for air injection....most power heads have a port that will accept an air hose, this will draw air in and mix with water....this mixture creates the foam needed to lift the protein out of the water...depending on the amount of air you let in, it will raise or lower the water level in the skimmer...this adjustment is made with the valves attached to the sump... The right hand side of the sump will house your return pump.
This set up looks like it would work if you had all the parts..
If I were you, (not having all parts) I would purchase a new sump.

Just my .02 cents worth.

Cello

[Cleveland]

Thank you all very much for your replies, and thanks to Cello for the clear explanation.

I guess I need to go shopping.

[Irvine]

Could'nt He still use it if that compartment was able to be removed, and some regular baffles added instead? seems like a waste to just discard it.