Anyone have this setup? Been thinking about this. Don't really know if its really beneficial for a FW tank.
Prevent all the potential for splashing water, and surface agitation, but I'm sure there will always be some loss attributable to the function of the sump that is unavoidable unless you seal completely. You can cover the sump and/or the overflows so nothing degasses. So whatever comes in must also exit, and if you have an inline diffuser on the output end you minimize the potential for degassing. Also 'd put a drop checker or two, on opposite sides of the tank, to be able to gauge co2 levels. My two cents.
It will be a none CO2 setup. There isn't much info laying around about this kind a setup. But i have read that some fish store in US use this kind a set up for their display discus tank.
Quote from: Shawn84 on May 25, 2012, 11:41:10 AMIt will be a none CO2 setup. There isn't much info laying around about this kind a setup. But i have read that some fish store in US use this kind a set up for their display discus tank.
Absolutely, probably easier to do because you don't have to worry about CO2 degassing if you use the right plants. Some plants like vals don't need CO2 fertilization but will use bicarnonates for their source of carbon, so your selection of plant species is important in a low tech sump setup. If you plan on growing glossostigma then forget it, it relies primary on CO2 fertilization and high light to thrive. To be safe, I would cover the sump and the overflows so you conserve any CO2 that may be degassed. That way whatever comes in the sump will also exit, in terms of O2 and CO2. I'd also look into keeping crypts, anubias, ferns and mosses. But the key is to cover the sump and overflows.
I will look into the cover. The main tank will also have plant but what I really want to know is how should i set up the light. Should it be opposite from main tank? The sump will also have a wet dry filter system.
Quote from: Shawn84 on May 25, 2012, 12:10:30 PMI will look into the cover. The main tank will also have plant but what I really want to know is how should i set up the light. Should it be opposite from main tank? The sump will also have a wet dry filter system.
I'm not sure if you'll find a commercial cover for the sump, I know most planted tank folks that discuss the use of sumps have had to make their own covers. As for your light question, I'm not really sure what you're getting at. Can you elaborate?
Eric, I think he's referring to people doing opposite 'daytimes' in a refugium and display tanks to balance ph swings overnight. you can essentially sustain 'daytime' water conditions 24/7.
That's exactly what I mean. Thanks Peekay
Quote from: Peekay on May 25, 2012, 03:22:23 PM
Eric, I think he's referring to people doing opposite 'daytimes' in a refugium and display tanks to balance ph swings overnight. you can essentially sustain 'daytime' water conditions 24/7.
Thanks peekay, sorry shawn, I can't help ya with that.