Back to the hobby, the passion is taking over.

[Boreal reefer]

Hi everyone, I had salt water tanks in the 70's and 80's and now after nearly 25 years want to get back into it. Back then the tanks were set up with under gravel filters, external charcoal & fiberglass filters, very basic. I was successful only keeping fish.
Now as I started to look into it, I realized how the technics have changed. Frankly I decided to join you so I can benefit from your knowledge and experience. I am planning on setting up 1 90gal and 1 45gal tank with fish and corals.
My first question is how important is having a sump.
Thanks

 

[Brandon Smith]

In my opinion, a sump is very important. You could probably get away with hang the back equipment, but you would probably want to upgrade that equipment eventually. I use my sump for my biological filtration, heater, return pump, and my protien skimmer. I have also added an algea scrubber as well. A sump will also add more water volume to your total system making it easier to maintain water parameters.

 

[Dr. Phil]

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby! For me a sump allows me to hide gobs of equipment to keep my display uncluttered. The sump also allows for greater tank turnover. Happy reefing!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to R2R!!! A sump is a glass (or acrylic) box where we can put stuff that you don't want in your main tank. Many of us prefer it because of the expanded options that help us to be better water keepers.

 

[mich2599]

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby!

 

[GoVols]

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!!

If a sump is in your budget, then go that route.

A sump also adds more water to your over all system's water volume.

 

[albano]

Welcome... couldn’t live without my sumps!

 

[AcroNem]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! A sump is just another box of water under your tank where you can put equipment, keeping it out of sight and adding some water volume to your total system. It can absolutely be done without one, as the basics of maintaining your system aren't different with or without a sump, but usually makes it easier to work with equipment.

 

[ROB2005]

Hi everyone, I had salt water tanks in the 70's and 80's and now after nearly 25 years want to get back into it. Back then the tanks were set up with under gravel filters, external charcoal & fiberglass filters, very basic. I was successful only keeping fish.
Now as I started to look into it, I realized how the technics have changed. Frankly I decided to join you so I can benefit from your knowledge and experience. I am planning on setting up 1 90gal and 1 45gal tank with fish and corals.
My first question is how important is having a sump.
Thanks

That’s the spirit let the passion move you! Welcome to the forum!

 

[Jaebster]

Welcome!
Theres many different styles in setting up and maintaining reefer tank. I prefer having a sump. Like the others said above I wont repeat. Theres other benefits too... increased oxygen due to flow and more surface area. A place to dose or add your chemicals (Ca, Alk, Mg). A place where you can add more bio filter media or live rock. A place where you can treat your water for tank emergencies or place other media like carbon. A place to put one of your critters in time out. Sump makes for easier maintenance when you shut down your pumps, it decreases the water level in your Display tank an inch or two (if setup without anti-siphon valves. A large enough sump allows you to connect a secondary tank (i.e. display fuge or frag tank) next to display without the need for additional filter equipment. I could go on and on. The benefits of having a sump is a huge + in my opinion.

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome back to the hobby! I would install a sump, even if it's a cheap dyi!

 

[Boreal reefer]

In my opinion, a sump is very important. You could probably get away with hang the back equipment, but you would probably want to upgrade that equipment eventually. I use my sump for my biological filtration, heater, return pump, and my protien skimmer. I have also added an algea scrubber as well. A sump will also add more water volume to your total system making it easier to maintain water parameters.

Thanks, very appreciated.

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Small26]

Hi everyone, I had salt water tanks in the 70's and 80's and now after nearly 25 years want to get back into it. Back then the tanks were set up with under gravel filters, external charcoal & fiberglass filters, very basic. I was successful only keeping fish.
Now as I started to look into it, I realized how the technics have changed. Frankly I decided to join you so I can benefit from your knowledge and experience. I am planning on setting up 1 90gal and 1 45gal tank with fish and corals.
My first question is how important is having a sump.
Thanks

Welcome!
Good to hear I am not alone in getting rid of an under-gravel filter. Used it for years in a 26 gallon fresh water but in moving to salt, not enough room with sand, gravel and coral. Only placing a pump for flow in the main tank, every thing else in the sump, out of sight.
Small26

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[BeejReef]

Welcome back,

W two tanks, I'd def go sump and plumb them together. Probly cheaper too compared to two of everything else and twice the testing and dosing pumps

 

[Jeffery Hammer]

Hi everyone, I had salt water tanks in the 70's and 80's and now after nearly 25 years want to get back into it. Back then the tanks were set up with under gravel filters, external charcoal & fiberglass filters, very basic. I was successful only keeping fish.
Now as I started to look into it, I realized how the technics have changed. Frankly I decided to join you so I can benefit from your knowledge and experience. I am planning on setting up 1 90gal and 1 45gal tank with fish and corals.
My first question is how important is having a sump.
Thanks

Your story is a lot like Mine. When I jumped back in I made IMHO the mistake of running undergravel. Drill baby drill or You will regret it. If yea need a sump Hit me up, have some tanks laying around.

 

[Niteowl]

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby

 

[windemerejack]

Hi and welcome from the UK. Very friendly and knowledgeable folk on here, you will love it.
Stay safe

 

[Jeffery Hammer]

Been back for 5 years now. Had to unlearn then learn what has evolved in reefing since the 80's. Back when I started I was paid to go out and do water changes, clean the glass and count the fish. Dead 1s was a regular thing on My route. Reefing has become so much more humane.