pump for wet/dry??

[maverick005]

i am planning to make a 10g sump for my 30g i would like to have a 20g sump but it wont fit under my stand. anyway i am making the wet/dry myself and wondered what size or kind of water pump to get...
also, i was informed by a very nice DIY website that you can use shotgun wadding instead of bioballs (which is TONS cheaper) and wondering if anyone had any experience with this?
thanks in advance
-brandon-

 

[ross]

I would probably use a mag5. Instead of bioballs you could use live rock because bio balls are nitrate traps.

 

[maverick005]

how many lbs of LR instead of bioballs would be good for my setup?

 

[ross]

Whatever looks good in the main tank-like maybe 40lbs and i guess just put as much as you can in the sump but remember you need to have room for skimmer, heater,etc. HTH

 

[maverick005]

so 40lbs in the display and then whatever i can fit in the 10g sump?
also, do i need a protien skimmer? and will a 10g wet/dry be big enough?
EDIT:what size heater? and what lights do i need for a FOWLRLS?

 

[iluvfish]

Even if you use LR instead of bioballs it is my understanding that you will still need to maintain this LR - as it can also become nitrate trap. Please refer to another thread entitled: Bioballs to Base Rock in the REEF TANKS section. It might answer some questions you have.
IMO - yes you will need a skimmer.

 

[nacl-man]

How high does your plumbing have to go to reach the top of your tank, and what is the GPH rating of your overflow? Those two factors will tell you what size pump you will need. Most companies have a chart that tells you head height vs. GPH and such.
Cheers!