Filtration: Sump vs. Wet/Ddry

[Talon33]

Hey Everyone. I have a question as far filtration goes. I bought a Wet/Dry filter with my 125 gallon tank. I am going to do a FOWLR tank. Now I was just wondering if i should use the wet/dry filter that I already have or would i be better off building a sump, lets say out of a old 55 gallon tank?
Advice is much appreciated! Thank you!
lsmile:

 

[Brooksy]

I had the same dilemma not too long ago when I started my 120g. The advice I got was that the problem with a wet/dry is the Bio Balls can become bacteria traps. I went with a DIY sump and have never regretted it.

 

[TylerHaworth]

DIY sump 100%. Wet/drys are of antiquated methodology.

 

[Talon33]

Thanks for the advice! And yes i have heard the bio balls can harbor some unpleasant bacteria but i just wanted to get some advice from more experienced fish keepers. DIY sump should be simple with multiple benefits. thanks!

 

[StirCrayzy]

Def. Go with sump/fuge. Some old wet/dry setups can easily be converted.

 

[ddelozier]

Wet dry's are an old technology for SW. If you want to use it, just take out the Bioballs, and replace that with ruble live rock, or sand bed w/ chaeto(lights required). No need to scrap it and start over unless you just Want a bigger sump. Im building a custome stand for my 125 so i can house a 55g under it. Plan to include an algae scrubber as well as a refugium.

 

[Talon33]

Thanks! My wet/dry filter only holds around 8-10 gallons so i think i will just build a sump to store other equipment. Also if return pump fails and sump overflows.

 

[Talon33]

One more question! I have a guy offering me a 30 gallon (3ft) sump with the compartments already pre-built, skimmer, refuge, return sections for $20, but he says the return section is small so i would need an auto top off system. Is this something I should get? Is an auto top off system necessary?

 

[StirCrayzy]

Id grab it for $30. For comparison, i just built a 20g sump and the cost was about $60.

Its a good starting point, you may be able to cut the silicone and move baffles around.
If its acrylic, modification is more difficult, if not impossible.