Sump setup?

[UMan101]

I need some help/advice on how to setup a sump properly

Currently, my drain comes into first box with bio balls, then water goes to the skimmer, then nothing in middle box, and lastly, water goes back up to my return

Questions:
1. What do bio balls do?
2. Theres a tube coming off from my skimmer (mine is currently capped closed). I've seen people attach this to plastic bottles or cups. Is this something I should be doing as well?
3. What are these white pellet things and what do I do with them?
4. What goes in the middle of the sump?

Thanks for the help!

Note: 50g cube, live rock, live sand and just a few crabs for now

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[Marshall O]

I did not use either the bio balls or ceramic cylinders. Instead, I turned the middle chamber into a refugium. That's how I run mine, but everyone runs their filtration differently.

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[CAPSLOCK]

1. Bioballs are a space for beneficial bacteria to grow. In a reef, they are not as good as live rock and can increase the dissolved organics rather than helping.
2. The tube is probably so you can have a larger collection container. Not necessary to running the skimmer.
3. White things are more biological filter area. See #1
4. I have a fuge in my middle compartment. But you can put whatever in - extra live rock, chaeto, etc.

 

[UMan101]

Thanks fellas! Appreciate the help. I'm going to go ahead and remove the bio balls from the first chamber. I'll follow you guys and setup a refugium as well.

Do I simply drop a ball of chaeto in the middle?

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[AlbertG]

yes you can put a ball of chaeto in the middle .
try adding a light to run on the opposite schedule of your display lights.

 

[UMan101]

Great! I just ordered a ball of chaeto, some pods and a light. Should be good to go. Thanks again for the help everyone!

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[choff]

I am a big believer in the use of additional biological filtration. I have a large amount of siporax(ceramic things you posted in the black bag) as well as seachem matrix. They do a tremendous job at keeping your nitrates in check and possibly phosphates. My tank is algae free and I feed 2 to 3 times daily.

Agree, no bio balls. I also would not suggest running chaeto until you have have had the tank cycled for a few months.