Getting Started ....

[Itzgana]

Hi all,

I have a 12 G bow tank and i intend after some feedback from some members to have a sump tank 18x10x10 below the main tank.

 

Now what i would like to know is.

 

1). How many compartments shouls i put in the sump..and what should i put in each section .

 

2). How much light should i aim to provide and not have to add more later.

 

 

Thanks

Itzgana

[tinyreef]

1. for the sump i would try for at least two sections. this limits the bubbles sucked into the return pump. tank dividers are very good and cheap, allowing effective & diffused flow for a low cost.

 

the more compartments you have the less chance for bubble return and cavitating the pump. also gives you more options for 'time-out' areas, skimmer zone, dosing area, sandbed zone, algae scrubbing, etc.

 

2. a gazillion watts of light should be just about right.

 

get a metal halide (150W minimum) and you won't have to upgrade ever again. altho some actinic pc's or vho's supplementing the mh is also good. hmm, maybe we should make that two gazillion watts. X)

[Itzgana]

Thanks TinyReef,

 

I think i will put three sections in the sump.

 

Sould i put in a specific type of Halide bulb in ?.

 

Do you get types that differ in the light spectrums ?

 

Thanks

Itzgana