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View Full Version : Live Rock Rubble in drain section of sump?


Raoul5Duke
07/01/2009, 12:10 PM
Trying to squeeze more room out of my sump (originally setup drain-fuge-return) so I moved my protein skimmer to the middle section, left the chaeto in there and moved the LR rubble to the drain section. The rubble is sitting on some eggcrate which sits about 2-3" off the floor of the sump on some acrylic baffles that were built into the sump originally. I have heard some folks say that LR rubble used in this manner is just as bad as bioballs and can be a nitrate factory. I think I would disagree given the flow going over the rubble and the space below, but I am interested in other people's opinions. I have about 6lbs of rubble but only put in 2-3 lbs to see how this works. Anyone have there drain flow directly to LRR?? Any pros/cons of this setup?? Thanks.

Mr. Brooks
07/01/2009, 12:37 PM
I'm doing this with no nitrate issues.

I have a section with live rock and hermit crabs instead of a filter sock. works great!

Almost 100% of the drain water passes through an external skimmer before it hits the rock section.

Just make sure all your rock is submerged.

Shane Hoffman
07/01/2009, 12:42 PM
If the rubble is below water no issue at all.....bio balls cause issue due to air exposure

Raoul5Duke
07/01/2009, 12:45 PM
Do you think the crabs and skimmer are key to not having problems with this or are you just describing how you have it set up?? I have come across some people that insist this is a bad idea, but I would think having the LRR at the bottom of the fuge section would have caused problems previously and it never did.

Raoul5Duke
07/01/2009, 12:47 PM
Thanks Shane. I have never used bio balls so I was interested in why they caused problems. That makes me feel more confident this is better than just removing the rubble.

Mr. Brooks
07/01/2009, 01:41 PM
Just describing how I have it set up. I'm sure they help though.

Shane Hoffman
07/01/2009, 01:44 PM
It is the fact that rubble is submerged that yields these results. Wether the skimmer was before or aft you would have same results. I would prefer to have skimmer after to skim off any detrius that is displaced from rubble....Just my opinion....I am confident you will be safe either way so long as rocks are submerged completely as opposed to having water trickle down over them.

400M1963
07/01/2009, 02:37 PM
It's also a good place for pods, worms and other detrivores to hide out. I ocassionally throw a shrimp pellet or two down there either on the chaeto or the LR rubble and watch the show -- the amphipods are especially funny for the kids as they swing into action.

darkdruid
07/01/2009, 06:15 PM
Bioballs are a problem because of the huge surface area for the bacteria to colonize. Rock is alot more dense with several times less surface area, so it would take ALOT more rock than it would bioballs to cause anywhere near the problem.

Macimage
07/01/2009, 06:40 PM
I have as much submerged live rock in my sumps as I can fit.

Joyce

Raoul5Duke
07/01/2009, 09:48 PM
Thanks guys/gals, good info. BTW Chad that's a good looking dog you got there. I have a very spoiled Bulldog myself.

Mr. Brooks
07/02/2009, 10:08 AM
Nice! Thanks man.

I use every chance I get to advocate pet adoption. I got my Boxer from Boxer rescue in LA. Couldn't be happier. Such an awesome dog.

BTW, the main problem with bioballs is not surface area, it's the quickness with which it breaks ammonia down into nitrates. It's highly efficient at breaking down ammonia and does nothing for nitrate.


Here's another pic for ya. I'm like a proud dad lol.

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=FishTankBuild089.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/FishTankBuild089.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

moondoggy4
07/02/2009, 11:34 AM
Well I removed my bio balls yesterday from my overflow and I built a DIY 1''1/2 durso. Then when I tried to put it in my small overflow I loosened my bulk head( very difficult to get to no way to put a channel lock on it) so I had to remove everything from under the tank twice. So what should I put in the overflow? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Brooks
07/02/2009, 11:38 AM
I'd leave it empty. Syphon out any gunk at the bottom once a year or so.

moondoggy4
07/03/2009, 01:01 AM
Thanks TheChad21 I fixed my leaking bulk head I went to Ace and I got reverse thread bulk head and I put my durso stand on it. Nothing in the overflow. PS nice looking dog