Hey, guys. I am planning on a new grow out. Approximately 200gal total. including 8 of the 20tall tanks and a 75gal sump(holds 40~50gal water). Some details havent been decided yet. Suggestions will be appreciated.!!!
the system including 3 layers. First two have 4 of the 20talls each. the bottom layer holds the sump. im planning to pump the water to the first layer, then connect first layer's drain to the middle layer, then from the middle layer to the sump. the reason i designed it like this has two reasons. first, with the same size pump, i can have more water flow through each tank. second, any uneaten food from the first layer can go to the middle layer, not directly to the sump.
for now, my main concern is the sump design. im going to put at least 1000~1500 fish in it.(not all sellable size fish, including 1~2 month old fish small fish).
here are my questions about the sump.
1. what type of filter media. Was planning to use ceramic rings plus rubble rock and live rock, but not sure if these are enough for that many fish
2 all my previous sump designs are with the same order. first section: skimmer/ second section: media, rock, refugium / third section: return pump. however, i have seen a lot people put bio media at first, then the refugium and the skimmer at the end. my question is, which one is better, and why!!!?
3. i know i will be needing a larger skimmer. since, i have never had a tank with that many fish, i have no idea what size skimmer will be large enough. was looking at SRO5000int. but not sure if its good enough.
any suggestion / input are appreciated!!!
thanks!