Can you put a sump together slowly over time?

[r.reefer]

Hi! I want to start a sump on my 50 gallon mixed reef tank, and I was wondering if it was possible to piece it together over time. For example, add things like a fuge or skimmer later. I could just start with media/filter socks, and maybe run my HOB filter down there in the meantime. Let me know if this is totally not how it works, I’m still learning!

 

[shakacuz]

it is possible, but better to plan the end result so you know what you need and how everything will fit.

 

[flagg37]

It’s possible to add things but you’d want to plan it out. If you were planning to add a skimmer down the line (probably the easiest thing to add) you’ll want to make sure that your sump has the space available for it so you can just plop it in. For pre planning, you’ll want to make sure that you have a way to adjust for the water height where the skimmer sits.

For a refugium you’ll want to make sure you have a way of containing the macro algae and have a way of installing a light for it. Many people try to contain the light so that it doesn’t spill over to other parts of the sump and encourage algae growth where you don’t want it.

Other things like reactors will need the plumbing planned for.

 

[regionreef219]

No problem with that. Even if you just have a sump set up and it doesn't filter anything, just catches drain water from display tank and then recirculates it back up, you will see benefit since you have a larger amount of water in your system.

My sump started with just a heater and protein skimmer. I have sense added a sock and carbon.

 

[SlugSnorter]

Hi! I want to start a sump on my 50 gallon mixed reef tank, and I was wondering if it was possible to piece it together over time. For example, add things like a fuge or skimmer later. I could just start with media/filter socks, and maybe run my HOB filter down there in the meantime. Let me know if this is totally not how it works, I’m still learning!

yes, that could work, you need to have everything fully planned out first though. Also, maybe good to start a fuge now.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If you want to build/expand a sump little by little, Custom Aquariums has their “Seamless Sump” modular system. It’s pretty much indestructible; and kind of fun to tinker with.

 

[r.reefer]

it is possible, but better to plan the end result so you know what you need and how everything will fit.

Yep, I already have everything planned out and priced. Just would like to put it together over time so it’s not too much $ at once!!

 

[SlugSnorter]

Yep, I already have everything planned out and priced. Just would like to put it together over time so it’s not too much $ at once!!

you can also find some used parts, they can help keep things under budget too.

 

[Atrumblood]

If you want to build/expand a sump little by little, Custom Aquariums has their “Seamless Sump” modular system. It’s pretty much indestructible; and kind of fun to tinker with.

That is actually really neat!

 

[SlugSnorter]

Yep, I already have everything planned out and priced. Just would like to put it together over time so it’s not too much $ at once!!

you can also find some used parts, they can help keep things under budget too.

 

[JumboShrimp]

@Atrumblood , the large tubs are useful to experiment with— I was fooling with a DIY algae scrubber here.

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

Hi! I want to start a sump on my 50 gallon mixed reef tank, and I was wondering if it was possible to piece it together over time. For example, add things like a fuge or skimmer later. I could just start with media/filter socks, and maybe run my HOB filter down there in the meantime. Let me know if this is totally not how it works, I’m still learning!

That’s how I built my sump, started with just the empty tank. Then added pieces as I found them on Craigslist. As others have said it’s good to plan it out before hand but sometimes you don’t know and just have to figure it out as you go.