Naked sump or no?

[Jan]

Hi

I bought this Oceanic sump for my 40 gallon tank: http://op5.triadinet.com/elmers/nlcatalog.asp?loc=nlitem.asp&args=sku|680305

It came with a sponge thingy in between the intake chamber and the return chamber, that supposedly helps remove debris and microbubbles. I'm thinking I should remove this as a probable source of nitrate (?). If that is a good plan, should I leave the sump devoid of filter material or should I replace the sponge thingy with live rock rubble? I imagine detritus would collect around and under that as easily as in the sponge?

 

[Krish]

Personally, I wouldn't use the sponge unless you are prepared to keep up with the maintenance like changing it/cleaning it every 2-3 days. As for putting something in it's place like rubble, that may work against you as well like you mentioned. I'd personally leave it bare unless you do have a micro-bubble problem and then you'll have to use the sponge. Just a thought...Go with what works best for you though

 

[Jan]

thankyou, Krish.

 

[shallowreef]

i too would leave it bare and keep it spotless. Once a month i would syphon the bottom to remove and junk that may be collecting there.

 

[sc18702]

removed mine and had micro bubble problem. Perhaps there are better skimmers that my coralife 125

 

[Jan]

I already have issues microbubbles....it will be interesting to see what it's like without the sponge.

 

[Krish]

Hey jan...One cool thing I use to do to prevent some of the microbubbles from getting to the return pump was put an elbow on the suction for the pump and have it suck water like 1/2 an inch off of the bottom of the sump. Bubbles will rise, so the lower you suck water from, the less chance you will have of picking up bubbles, not to mention it gives you a little more leway on evaporation as the pump can be partly out of the water and still operate properly because the suction would be submerged.

Here's a pic to show you what I mean if you can see it. Just maximize the pic

 

[Jan]

yep. makes sense

 

[Brenden]

a piece of acrylic could also be used to divert the water so bubbles would have time to get to the surface.