[FredinNY]

Hi Everyone.
I'm currently in the design phase of a 29 Gallon freshwater sump for a 75 Gallon display tank. In the large sump chamber where much of my bio-media will reside, I'm considering adding an Aquaponics tray with floating plants to assist in reducing Nitrates in the water.

I would appreciate any comments, concerns or tips anyone could offer.

Thanks!
Fred

 

[AbbeysDad]

If you scroll to the end of my blog post Evolution of my 110g Stock Tank you'll see a photo of my 40g sump. It has floating water sprite over 2 anoxic biocenosis clarification baskets and two baskets of lava rock.
(Tank is currently colony breeding red swordtails)

 

[ichthyogeek]

Hmmm....looks like sumps might be making a comeback into freshwater, which is great.

What are you keeping in the 75 gallon tank? Or is this more of a "for the piece of mind I get from plants sucking up all the nitrates/phosphates" thing? Can you show us your sump design and where you want to put your plants?

Depending on placement/light, it might be more beneficial to instead do a faux-hydroponics tray, using LECA and something like pothos or monstera (really any aroid), since they require a bit less light.

 

[mboley]

Why do you want to reduce nitrates in your tank? I have a sump along with a fully stocked tank and I add nitrates daily to keep it in the 15-20 ppm range.
If you are building a fish only tank it makes sense, otherwise its not necessary.