Screw the Sump

keisersosei

keisersosei

Member
Hello, my name is Thomas and I am frustrated.
I just started a sump and refugium. They are made out of two Rubbermaid tubs. It's a good idea gone awry. I think my main problem is the crappy CPR overflow, I've just fooled with it too much. I know I could just figure out the problem, maybe get a new (read "good") overflow, but it's just not worth it. By next week the sump and refugium will be no longer. With the dsb in my main tank I've had no nitrates ever (for about 7 months now) then I decided to add a refugium. I guess I just liked the idea mainly. Anyway, I don't think it's adding anything but a headache, and I don't need any more of those. Last night I came home and the water level had risen to the top of the glass top and, given a couple more hours, would have overflowed into the floor. The overflow box was still chugging along but had picked up some air, thus restricting the water flow a bit. This is the second time that's happened. I know a sump and refugium has worked great for many people, but it doesn't look like it's for me.
Thanks for listening. It feels good.
 
keisersosei

keisersosei

Member
I know, I could get a decent overflow, but it's not worth it. Plus, I don't have any money and won't for a couple of months probably. Other hobbies are taking my money right now. I can't let the water sit until I save up the money, but I don't want to keep using the CPR, even temporarily.
 
ed r

ed r

Member
I think with careful stocking, no sump is necessary. That is the way I run my tank. Nitrates are still zero after six months. As you mentioned, it is a lot quieter than with the normal overflows and return pumps.
 
keisersosei

keisersosei

Member
Actually, I don't think I mentioned the noise issue, but that is something that I've hated ever since I started the sump. When I unplugged the return pump and the overflow gurgled its final bloody breath, it was like a peace fell over the room.
A sump is just for convenience. I'll stick the test tube down in the display tank. And I think it'll be a fish-only now, so no dosing will be required.
If I do it again I will get a reef-ready tank with built in overflows in each corner like the All-Glass Twin Flow aquariums.
 
surfnturf

surfnturf

Member
sorry dude, the cpr is a p.o.s. I built my own overflow using a hang on power filter that I wasn't using anymore. Absolutely quiet and really didn't cost me a dime since it was sitting around collecting dust. A refugium is a great thing to have, but if your nitrates are zero, forget the refug. A sump is one of the best ideas out there though, a place to put a skimmer, heater, w/d etc. I wouldn't give up on the idea yet. BTW, I do have pictures from the conversion of the power filter to overflow if you are interested.
 
keisersosei

keisersosei

Member
If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to see those pictures. Can you still run carbon in the filter? What you said about the refugium is true. The old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage. But I don't have a heater (the lights keep it about 82) or a wet/dry system. I am running a skimmer in the sump (or I was, past tense) and that would be the only benefit.
 
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