Going from AIO to sump system and feeling overwhelmed

[SandJ]

I started keeping saltwater tanks 3 years ago. Started with a 36 bow front with hang on equipment and then moved on to AIO systems. I felt very confident in keeping these tanks and how they operate.

Now I have 2 systems with sumps I am in the process of setting up and I feel completely lost and overwhelmed. It feels like I am a newbie all over again. All of the equipment is the same...but very different (hang on skimmer vs a skimmer in the sump).

Did anyone else feel this way when going from AIO tanks to a system with a sump??? Or am I just way overthinking everything???

 

[clarke.matthew1]

I started keeping saltwater tanks 3 years ago. Started with a 36 bow front with hang on equipment and then moved on to AIO systems. I felt very confident in keeping these tanks and how they operate.

Now I have 2 systems with sumps I am in the process of setting up and I feel completely lost and overwhelmed. It feels like I am a newbie all over again. All of the equipment is the same...but very different (hang on skimmer vs a skimmer in the sump).

Did anyone else feel this way when going from AIO tanks to a system with a sump??? Or am I just way overthinking everything???

I felt the same way but going the other direction, went from 90gal w/ 40gal sump to a 32gal AIO. The feeling is the same going smaller, I'm trying to figure out how to fit all this stuff into smaller areas while trying to have a fuge. Hang on stuff is all new to me

 

[tankstudy]

I find that AIO systems are just tanks that have the sump glued to it.

Not much of difference if you think it like that. The only major difference is AIO back chambers or the glued on sump are much smaller. Limiting your equipment choice and a larger water volume for easier water stability.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If you don’t already have a skimmer for inside your sump, you might want to research a “recirculating” skimmer. I am very pleased with mine—especially the fact that it works exactly the same no matter how much the water level in the sump might rise or fall.