Media for the sump illiterate.

[bernacchi]

Greg, I just read your article on sumps. I just picked up a 90 gal. tank that has a tidepool sump with it. In your article you mention that bio-media should no be used with a reef setup. What "stuff" should I be using? Is crushed coral a viable media? What particular material should I be considering? There are four separate media trays, a bio-wheel, and a large open area for pump, heater and skimmer installation. I'd like to use all areas for various media only because I'm obsessive! Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[gregt]

I don't recommend any media. Temporarily adding some filter floss to remove particulate matter is a good idea, if only used for 24 hours or so. Anything further will just collect detritus and become bothersome. These types of filters are good for tanks without live rock for biofiltration, but they tend to cause more problems then they are worth in a reef tank.

That said, I do still run carbon for a few days every now and then to improve water clarity.