Originally Posted by
wattsupdoc
http:///forum/post/2784523
Well, a sump in it's most basic sense doesn't do anything for filtration. It it just a compartment used to store equipment in. It adds to the system's overall water volume, keeps the display cleaner and more natural, gives a location to do top offs and most commonly to utilize a skimmer. However there can be many variations of a sump.
A wet/dry IS a type of filter. These are good at breaking down organics and processing them through the nitrogen cycle. They are called wet/dry because part of the filter is constantly wet(submerged), while another part of it is not constantly wet, but kinda trickled on. This damp areas(bioballs etc) break down ammonia quickly. Thus they are beneficial in aquariums with messy eaters especially aggressive fish. However, as with anything they have their faults. Possible nitrate accumulation can and usually does occur. As well there is no mechanism to complete the biological process.
While were at it Refugiums. A refugium IS a type of filter also. It is basically a compartment that provides a REFUGE to desirable critters that may be threatened in the display. It can provide a place to give a needed time out to a misbehaving fish or other critter. But it usually doesn't host any fish for any time. These critters can grow in this environment and replenish the DT. In order to grow them you need to establish an environment friendly to their needs. While were doing that, we might as well use some things that work well for our system also. Most common elements in a refugium are live rock rubble piles, macroalgaes of various sorts, and sand beds. These things help to remove dissolved organic compounds(DOC's), nutrients and other things such as phosphates from the water column. As well as actually lower nitrates, by converting them to nitrogen gas. As well as provide a habitat for copepods, worms and other beneficial varmints.
The most common is what is usually a sump/fuge kinda combo. with a skimmer compartment and a refugium. some of these incorporate other types of filtration in them to help along the way. Sponges placed between baffles, filter socks stuffed with carbon, etc. etc. These can become a very efficient "all in one complete ecosystem filtration" very easily and neatly.
Hope I didn't get carried away there.
I love the way you have explained it. It is very clear. You didn’t carry away at all. Thank you so much for answering my question.
I didn’t know that a Refugium is a type of filter. So I don’t really need bio balls? But is it better to have bio balls/skimmer/Refugium in a 35gal sump?
BTW, I have eheim 2217, can I use it? Someone told me that doesn’t do anything for saltwater tank.
