Rubble Rock In The Sump

[7designs]

Good Idea or Bad Idea?

If put in return area or where refugium normally is(not asking if better then refugium) does it do more good or harm?

Can it be a nitrate trap like bio balls?

[HulaDad]

I say yes, it can be a nitrate trap, but I think that if ALL of your return water goes through filter sock/s... It will not be a problem, because the filter sock/s will catch all of the debris... Then you just have to remember to change out the socks so that they don't cause nitrates... Just my

[triggerman77]

Not sure but i think so. I have a pile of rubble in my sump. Its just more live rock therefore more Bio filtration. the more the merrier

[7designs]

Originally Posted by triggerman77

Not sure but i think so. I have a pile of rubble in my sump. Its just more live rock therefore more Bio filtration. I think.

That was my original thought. But having hi bio-load and nitrates has me thinking otherwise.


I do not use a filter sock.

[triggerman77]

Higher bio load or not. More LR is defiantly better. I have A high bio load and i took the bio balls out and put more rubble in.

[reeffreak]

Danny I have used rubble rock in my sump forever without issues. BUT this last time I used it in my fuge area where there was less flow. I also so no difference in the effects on nitrates in where it was located. but it flowed into the fuge before going to my reurn...not sure if that mattered.

But I also use a filter sock on the other return to catch most of the nasties and had to keep it changed abotu every week or more. PITA but worth doing to me. others just keep good flow in their sump and let their skimmer take out the gunk...others skim the bottom when doing a WC.

BUT I never messed with my fuge area where the rubbe was. I moved thigns around every now and then if I was looking for a rock or something to mount a frag on

[VanGogh121]

They work great, Just ensure you don't set it on the bottom glass. Use Eggcrate to get it off the bottom and put a powerhead underneath to make sure the detrius, doesn't build up.

[7designs]

That would be great, cause I can throw it in the sump and not have to put sand in there cause I dont have time for it to clear.


I am not keeping this tank, but I want it to be right for if I sell it or part it out when done. The fish deserve good home.

[7designs]

Originally Posted by VanGogh121

They work great, Just ensure you don't set it on the bottom glass. Use Eggcrate to get it off the bottom and put a powerhead underneath to make sure the detrius, doesn't build up.

Boy you was right about detrius build up in sump, this sump was nasty when I pulled it out.

[reeffreak]

Yeah if you do not want to put sand in it. I would go with what Rich said. good idea!!