Minimum size sump for 135 gallon tank

[maelv]

I have a 42 gallon tank that I was contemplating using as a sump, but wife said she would like for me to clean it for her to use as a freshwater tank when I have my new one up and running. I knew that was plenty of room to use as a sump. But now I have no idea on how big/small I could go with a sump...Any help would be appreciated...Thanks.

 

[fedukeford]

you could go as small as a 1 gallon, but you wouldnt get much in it besides a return pump... mabey.... the bigger sump, the better beacuse the more water volume the more stable the water paramiters, but if you want a nice sized sump go around the 50 gallon range

 

[maelv]

Thanks...and I take it oyou would also recommend the integration of a fuge as well?

 

[fedukeford]

yup, the more ways you have to rid your tank of nutrients the better , if you have enough macro algea and Live rock the only other form of filtraiton you'll need is good skimmer, and mabey some carbon

 

[acrylic51]

As big as you can stuff under the tank IMO...

 

[maelv]

I am still trying to get all these terms/lingo down. Acrylic...what is IMO?
Thanks

 

[acrylic51]

Sorry.....IMO means In My Opinion.....

 

[gerry_e]

so when you say a fuge gets rid of nutrients you mean the detrius and uneaten food settles in the fuge area?

 

[fedukeford]

no, the macro algea feeds off (i think, not tottaly sure) nitrates, so you nitrate levels get low, and stay low, also most people put live rock in their fuges for a safe place for pods to live