You are going to love it way better mine has 3 socks that I change when they get clogged and need washed in the washing machine then a skimmer in the next chamber that I clean the bowl every other week from there I grow chaeto with a growing light and finally heater and return pump
Once its properly designed and set up there really is not much up keep except cleaning and what Adam mentioned. Most are set up like mine and Adam's. 4 chambers with the first being the one where the drains empty (usually in to filter socks), the next chamber is usually where the skimmer is. If there are 4 chambers the next one is usually a refugium and the final chamber is where the return pump is. That is how my sump is set up. Sumps offer several advantages. They increase total water volume which contributes to stability and dilutes toxins. It also allows for things not possible or difficult with HOB set ups like refugiums, larger more efficient skimmers, socks/floss to aid in mechanical filtration, etc. They also provide a place for equipment that otherwise would be an eyesore in the DT such as heaters, etc. Next time we have a meeting at a house with a sump look under the hood and ask all of us the questions that come to mind. You also have an open invitation to come to my house and look at mine and ask questions.
Thanks for the info and the invitation, I'm not sure when we'll be back that direction. We moved to Eureka Springs after Christmas. Tried to make a trip down for a meeting, but haven't been able to work ot out as of yet.
We are heading up to eureka this weekend. I can swing by and help you plan thing out and give you any advice I can offer if you want.
Hey guys, when are you coming in? It would be great to see you and take a look at where we are with the system and take any input you have.