Live Rock in Sump

[tangtang clown]

I set up a salt water tank about 5-6 months age. I use a sump with a trickle flow on the right side( where bio balls are usually kept), and I have my skimmer and my return pump, along with some macro algae, on the left side of the sump. I put live rock in place of the bio balls.

The sump is similar to this one, except I have rock all the way to the bottom in mine instead of bio balls.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13648

Is this a good idea?
I have a coral life 50/50 light underneath for it. It comes on when the display tanks lights go off.

 

[Scooterman]

The LR in there would be better in the display, detritus will just accumulate there & do more harm than help.

 

[mmkeeper]

The live rock exposed to the air will work the same as the bioballs when it comes to nitrates. If you want to use the rock it must be under the water completely.

 

[tangtang clown]

That's the way I have it. I fill my sump up to the level of the live rock.
Hope it will help with my nitrates.