Are sumps worth it for a 29 gal?

Morganeb98 · Dec 20, 2022

Not sure if it's worth buying or not leaning on worth it but I'm not sure

workhz · Dec 20, 2022

Get a 200G sump for max stability

In all seriousness it kinda depends on what you’re after, what kind of tank and how much room you have. I don’t like tanks junked up with heaters, skimmers, filters and whatever else you’d throw into a sump.

VanCityReef · Dec 20, 2022

I agree with what is said above. It also helps increase the amount of water in your system, which helps with stability. Additionally, if you want to add a protein skimmer and reactors, it’s a nice spot to store all of that. I think if you have the room and budget, then you should go for it

fish farmer · Dec 20, 2022

Depends on how you want to run your tank.

My first reef was a 38 gallon with 20 gallon long sump. The sump had my skimmer and a fuge, I even grew out some softy frags in there. This was 20 years ago when hob skimmers weren't that widespread.

My current setup is a 29 gallon with a 20 high sump. I got a big skimmer, both my heaters, chaeto, even plumbed in a reactor to house carbon or gfo. My ato and kalk drip in my sump instead of the dt for better mixing.

Lost in the Sauce · Dec 20, 2022

Honestly, I'd throw a 40b sump under a 29g display in a hot second. .

YOYOYOReefer · Dec 20, 2022

I agree on the 40 breeder, gives you enough room to work with

Morganeb98 · Dec 20, 2022

workhz said:
Get a 200G sump for max stability

In all seriousness it kinda depends on what you’re after, what kind of tank and how much room you have. I don’t like tanks junked up with heaters, skimmers, filters and whatever else you’d throw into a sump.

I was thinking about just adding a skimmer

hollow6210 · Dec 20, 2022

I'm nearly setup with my 29G--no sump, but will be adding a HOB refugium shortly.

BillyW · Dec 21, 2022

I would never have a Saltwater tank without a sump. It’s a no brainer from my experience. The tank will always grow and having a sump gives more options, filters, reactors, skimmer, heater and none of the filtration is in the tank. Every saltwater tank I’ve ever had, has had a sump, I can’t imagine trying to fit everything in a tank or HOB, or AIO, obviously it’s possible because there are gorgeous tanks without sumps, but I like a clean tank with all the extra “stuff”, out of sight and out of mind.

Jesse571 · Dec 21, 2022

It can never hurt as gives you so many more options. I had one for my old Biocube 32 and it worked out great.

Katherine Corals · Dec 21, 2022

Its not to say they cant be done without it. But I agree with everyone else who have commented. Its purely esthetics to me. When I look at my reef tank, I want to only see the fish, corals and beauty of the ocean, not all the equipment lol Typically that's why the AIO (all in one) nano tanks become popular.
+1 Sump