How does a wet dry sump work?
Trickle filters work using an overflow. This is some kind of mechanism which allows water to freely overflow from the tank into the wet dry filter once the water reaches a certain level. Once the water flows out of the fish tank it is collected by a drainpipe, also called a channel.
Is a wet dry filter the same as a sump?
You can think of sump tanks as the Wet/Dry filter cousin, given that the requirements are similar. However, with these distinct characteristics: Sump tanks are usually larger since you can use any tank size as long as you have room.
Are trickle filters any good?
Trickle filters provide excellent biological filtration, but do not do much for mechanical or chemical filtration.
Are wet/dry filters good for freshwater aquariums?
If you have a freshwater aquarium with live plants, a wet/dry filter will over-produce oxygen and push out the CO2 necessary for your plants to thrive. In a reef aquarium, the bio-balls will over-produce nitrates and can cause harm to your corals and other invertebrate animals.
Where do bio balls go in a sump?
They are not intended to trap detritus and particles, and if you are using them in the sump, should be placed in the area of your sump least likely to come into contact with detritus, normally closest to the return. Detritus should be removed through other forms of filtration such as a filter socks or filter sponges.
What should I put in my freshwater sump?
Bio balls are the ideal media option for the main section of the overflow. The water flows through this compartment of bio balls where it is aerated and down into the sump. Bio balls require very little if any maintenance.
How big should my sump be?
Choosing The Right Sump The sump should be no less than 25% of your tank’s total water volume, the bigger the better. The sump needs to fit inside your tank stand or proposed sump location, check overall dimensions.
What should I put in my sump?
What Do You Put In A Sump?
- Filter Socks and Filter Rollers. A filter sock is a basic form of mechanical filtration.
- Heater. There’s really not too much to say about heaters.
- Protein Skimmer.
- Baffles and Bubble Traps.
- Return Pump.
- Check Valve.
- Gate Valves.
- Refugium Light.
What are bio balls?
Bio balls are spheres consisting of tiny tubes that provide a large surface area on which water-filtering microbes can grow. They are typically used in fish tank and fish pond filters to transform potentially harmful ammonia into benign nitrates.
Do bio balls need to be submerged?
It is also important to remember that bio balls are not meant to stay submerged underwater. They are designed for water to trickle over them so that beneficial bacteria stays wet while the tank water is aerated. This also helps wash away any loose detritus and keeps the bio balls clean for longer.