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1. Aquarium
This is the
aquarium where
live rock and
sand provide
biological
filtration. As
water passes
through the live
rock, bacteria
within the rock
break down waste
removing toxic
ammonia and
nitrites.
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2.
Filter Sock
 Water moves from the aquarium through the filter sock into the sump.
The filter sock traps pieces of dirt and debris. This kind of filter is categorized as a
mechanical filter.
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3.
Sump
 Water moves from the filter sock into the sump. Place carbon in
the sump to keep the water clear.
Carbon is
categorized as
chemical
filtration. Also, add live rock here for additional
biological filtration.
See Eurofil sumps
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4.
Protein Skimmer
Water moves from the sump into the protein skimmer via a small pump. (Pump not displayed in our picture.) Protein skimmers mix air and saltwater rapidly causing dissolved waste to separate from the water, creating foam which collects in the cup of the protein skimmer.
The cup must be
emptied
regularly. This
is also
categorized as
another form of
mechanical
filtration.
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5.
Pump One
Notice that there are two pumps
pictured in the sump,
#5 and #7. We
highly recommend
two pumps - in
case one fails.
If you are out
of town during a
pump failure,
one pump will
save the lives
of your
livestock. It's
very important
to keep water
moving. We'll explain pump #5
(as pictured) here. This pump moves water from the sump into the spray bar.
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Spray Bar
The pump moves water from the sump into the spray bar. The spray bar is connected to multiple return lines which move water back into the aquarium.
The purpose of the spray bar is to evenly distribute water pressure into the return lines to your aquarium.
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7.
Pump Two
This second pump pictured
pushes water
through the ultra-violet sterilizer,
chiller, and
then back into
the aquarium.
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8.
Ultra-Violet
Sterilizer
UV sterilizers kill free-floating parasites, such as the ich parasite, dramatically reducing the spread of disease in the aquarium.
They also help to control the growth of nuisance algae.
You may use a separate pump, or connect the UV in-line with one of your return lines to create water flow through the UV.
Water enters the UV sterilizer and passes by an ultraviolet light that kills the free-floating parasites.
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9.
Chiller
 A chiller may be needed to keep the water temperature constant. (You may also consider a heater,
which is
inexpensive and
may be placed in
the sump.)
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10.
Aquarium
Water moves back into the aquarium.
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