Sump, Veg/plant Filter - Planted Tank.

[steve711]

I've kept planted tanks for a number of years but due to circumstances have been without a tank for the last two years, now due to a house move I can at last have a tank again.

It's going to be 60"(L)x24"(W)x30"(D) and heavily planted.

I'll be using all the usual, CO2 with PH controller, undergravel heating cable etc.

The main question I have is around sumps and incorporating a section in the sump heavily planted to take up Nitrates.

I was under the impression that sumps weren't the norm on planted tanks and were the preserve of Reef keepers.
Since doing some research on the internet it appears different.

I know the basics of the sump, overflows, flow rates etc etc but I would like to hear of peoples first hand experience with the results they get (photo's are always a bonus, especially of DIY sumps).

The other question I have is lighting, I used to use mercury vapour lamps, T5s were only just coming on the market when I dismantled my last setup.
Do I stick with mercury vapour or go with T5s or a combination?

 

[Themuleous]

Hi Steve welcome to the forum

I cant comment on the lighting but I would question the need to add the sump in the first place? You say its to remove nitrate, but if you're going for a fully planted, high light, high CO2, etc then you may find you need to ADD NO3 to keep the plants supplied? Just a thought.

Have you read the pinned EI article?

Sam

 

[steve711]

Thanks for your reply Themuleous.

I have read the pinned EI article, what or where is it?

My assumption was that a sump would be used to go some way to remove nitrate.

I was after any comments or results/experince people have had with sumps on planted tanks, good or bad.

I have read the pinned EI article, what or where is it?

Sorry, meant to say I HAVEN'T read the pinned IE article, where or what is it?

 

[Themuleous]

Its above the threads in the planted section titled @ZIgs Estimative Index' Got it?

As I say if you're going to run very planted tank you'll probably not need to remove the Nitrate, the plants will do that for you.

Sam

EDIT in other words bad! Just is no need for one on a heavily planted tank

 

[steve711]

Sorry about that, I found the article straight after I replied, that was at work so haven't had a chance to read it all yet.

The theory about plants using Nitrate as a food source is a bit mesleading as they will only use it if other sources are low, it actually takes a lot out of a plant to convert nitrate into a food source.

From the research I've done over the years it seems it's better to remove the nitrate and 'feed' the plants with easily accessible supplements.

The only plant that makes real good use of Nitrate is algae.

 

[Themuleous]

Fair enough, in that case add a sump and see what happens, cant say I have any experience with them at all. Have you read many of the other threads on here? Would recommend this one. Especially post 16 re his tank water stats.

Some people might disagree about the nitrate.

Sam

Edit - just out of interest, when you say 'other sources are low' what other sources are there?

 

[steve711]

The other sources are nutrients you add to the tank.

As I've said, plants will use Nitrate but it's better for them to have easier to use 'food'.

Also, Nitrate coupled with Phosphate is a dream for algae.

I more than likely will go with a sump and have read a lot of threads on here but none go into much detail about atual experiences with them after they are set up and running.

 

[Themuleous]

Anyone else out there have any thoughts on nitrates and phosphates?

Sam