The Puffer Forum

hey all,

im purchasing a 4x2x4 tank with a 3x 1.5x1.2 sump, im wondering what filtration methods would be best for puffers.

I Have never used a sump before after some research im currently thinking of using a DSB in the sump with a protein skimmer and then an external filter etc in as well.

how much live rock should be placed in the tank and sump ?

I can not condone a remote DSB at all, ever (unless it is used as a secondary display).

Live rock in there with the skimmer and possibly some chaetomorpha or some additional mechanical filtration. Given its size I personally would go full sized skimmer and additional mechanical filtration.

I have a DSB in my fuge with LR rubble & macroalgae. 1 1/2-2lbs LR in the main system, although I've probably got 3. Skimmer in my sump (they're plumbed separately).

arrhhhhh!

The whole business of using a sump is annoying and confusing there seems to be some many different view points on it.

so full sized skimmer would be a better way to go?, i wouldn't need to add living rock into the sump? and then add another external filter ? or would the one im running now be sufficient it has a 1200 LPH turn over?

You will need no outside source for filtration. Live rock & good flow with a skimmer to remove excess nutrients, is all you need for SW.

so in my fuge i place a SSB and some live rock and then add a skimmer in .

Should i place the skimmer in the 1st chamber of the sump or 3rd the 2nd chamber being my fuge

Largest chamber is for the fuge. You'll need as light over it, if you have macroalgae in there. A clamp lamp with a PC (curly) bulb is fine. Fit the skimmer where you can, in one of the other chambers.

so place the return pump in the fuge as well as the living rock

Return pump goes alone, in the last chamber. You don't want crap from the fuge getting sucked into the pump. You could put your heater in that chamber, too.

Here's my duo system:

Sump


Fuge

my sump has 4 chambers so;

number 1 is the inlet + skimmer
number 2 no clue what to add in there
number 3 some lr
number 4 return hump heaters

Pic?

http://www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/p ... 262490.jpg

Thats the pic of sump in the tank im getting.

that guy has a fluidized bed in the sump... that is IMO also a no-go in a SW set up. It is pretty advanced stuff.

Having the skimmer in the middle would be better.

this is what i mean sumps are confusing and never having used one i have no clue lol

the sump im tolled will be cleaned and emptied

skimmer in the middle (no choice) and what ever you want on the next left. Far left is empty and far right is limited.