Filtration help

newbreefr · Feb 18, 2021

New to reefing and had questions about filtration. I’m starting a 40g breeder reef. Should I purchase a premade AIO filter that fits on side of tank? Or should I add a sump

Dkmoo · Feb 18, 2021

Imo sump is going to be better. More water volume and more room to be flexible with.

Nano925 · Feb 18, 2021

+1 on a sump!

newbreefr · Feb 18, 2021

Dkmoo said:
Imo sump is going to be better. More water volume and more room to be flexible with.

I’m very new to this and not sure what to put in the sump. As of right now I will not be running a skimmer. I would like to put a refugium

Dkmoo · Feb 18, 2021

Typical set ups has 3 to 4 chambers. First one is usually a filter sock or roller. Second usually skimmer, third is flexible as people can put things like fuge, uv, or other media, last is return pump

In terms of filtration functions the sump and aio can cover similar function. Sumps biggest advantage is the bigger volume (ie, fuge generally are more effective after a certain critical mass is reached). Its also more "future proof" in its flexibility for what you want to add.

If you are just starting you probably don't need everything. But even just the increased water volume is beneficial to tank stability.

newbreefr · Feb 18, 2021

Dkmoo said:
Typical set ups has 3 to 4 chambers. First one is usually a filter sock or roller. Second usually skimmer, third is flexible as people can put things like fuge, uv, or other media, last is return pump

In terms of filtration functions the sump and aio can cover similar function. Sumps biggest advantage is the bigger volume (ie, fuge generally are more effective after a certain critical mass is reached). Its also more "future proof" in its flexibility for what you want to add.

If you are just starting you probably don't need everything. But even just the increased water volume is beneficial to tank stability.

Any video recommendations on plumbing a tank for a sump