Filtration needed in Sump.

Question
Hi,

I'm Amit from India. I've around 15 yrs of experience in Fresh water but new to Salt water. I'm planning for a FOWLR setup initially but plans in mind to convert it into reef in near future. Problems I'm facing is that this hobby is not much popular in this part of the world due to its high expense and unavailability of good equipments.
My tank size is 3.5'X 1.5' X 2'. I've a DYI sump of size 2'X 1.5'X 2'. It has 3 sections, first the input where I've my Skimmer. 2nd is the refugium and 3rd is the outlet. I'm using a return pump of around 1000 gph.I've around 15 medium pieces of Live rock weighing around 55 Lbs and live sand of around 33 Lbs.
My queries are:
1. As I told you good equipment are not available here, I've a weipro skimmer which is a very average one. Good skimmers are not available and importing one is very very expensive. I'm using a sponge in the overflow box just to prevent the larger wastes from entering the sump. I've some space in the input section as well as in the output section of the sump. What kind of other mechanical or chemical filtration can I use so that the sump can be properly utilized? Can I use activated carbons and bio balls? I've read in other forums that using sponges, bioballs and carbons may be harmful. So a bit confused. Also Temperature is a concern here. During summer it reaches around 100 degree.
Can you please help me out?
Please let me know if you need any more info.
Thanks in advance.
Amit

Answer
Hi Amit,

See my replies below your questions:

Question: Can I use activated carbons and bio balls?

Answer: Yes, you may use varying filter media's in your sump, that are of both natural and synthetic in origin, including: live rock, carbon, bio balls, bio pellets, ceramics, phosphate removal media, mangroves, and various other macro-algae.

Question: bio balls and carbons may be harmful?

Answer: Firstly you would want to use reef safe activated carbon. Also carbon has been known to take out essential trace elements in the water, needed for coral reef aquariums. Therefore when running carbon in your filter of a coral reef aquarium, make sure to add the proper trace elements to replenish the system. Regarding bio balls, they can have an adverse effect if they have not been properly cleaned over an extremely long period of time; therefore once a year you would want to give them a rinse-down to dislodge any kind of build-up of organic materials.

Question: Also Temperature is a concern here. During summer it reaches around 100 degree.

Answer: You would then want to incorporate a chiller unit.

Sincerely,
David - All Experts Editor
Orange County Reef Aquatics Director - http://www.ocreef.com