sump questions

[lakers10]

ok so bought a tank and sump setup but the sump is a oceanic trickle filter model 75.. i this sump is a pretty old one when i looked it up.. i have never dealt with a trickle system before is it a good idea to use it as is or should i just get a new sump??24231

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[ramsey]

I'd get a new sump or try to mod that one. If you're using live rock, a trickle filter won't do anything for you since you should have plenty of surface area for bacteria. In fact, many people are against using bio-balls at all in a SW tank because they can become nitrate factories if not kept clean.

If you decide to get a new one, there's a couple people on the boards that build custom sumps.

[glarior]

Don't know your budget but if it does not show any signs of damage I would use it. With my setup I prefer custom built sumps but that's just me. Bioballs are 50/50 IMO. They can become clogged and increase your nitrates. I have had tanks with and without bio balls and never noticed a difference. However, if I removed all the bio balls after a year I would have a large spike nitrite and nitrates.