Live Rock in Sump Question

[quietreef]

Hi there:

I have a new question here. I'm the one still with the pencil and paper, designing a new reef system.

I have heard of people putting live rock in a sump, not as part of a refugium, but as the first stop at the inlet to the sump as something of a bubble trap. So I have 3 questions. One, will live rock that is not always under water but constantly bathed in water maintain life on it, and 2 is there a biological benefit to using live rock bits and pieces as a bubble trap instead of using baffles. My refugium(s) are upstream and not part of the sump. 3 is are there any other types of bubble traps?

Thanks,
quietreef

 

[ChrisRD]

Live rock in the sump is fine, but I'd avoid too much rubble as it will probably make a good place for detritus to accumulate. Most people just install a few baffles to deal with bubbles.

 

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't put live rock in the sump because I don't see the reason. The rock in the tank should be more than enough for dentitrification, and the rock in the sump will mostly act like a detritus trap - not to mention displace water.

As for bubbles, like CHris said, baffles work well, as would a filter sock (though you would want to clean/change it weekly. You could also make a bubble trap - some kind of tube/bucket with holes near the bottom which would make it harder for bubbles to travel. I would go with baffles myself.