Is a sump needed

[Amarker3297]

I have a 55 gallon take I want to convert from freshwater to a reef. I have a HOB filter that’s worked for the freshwater tank would it work for saltwater or no?

 

[Dvanlier05]

The nice part of a sump is you can have all you essential equipment out of the display and added water volume. Do you need one, no but it's nice.

 

[happyhourhero]

Having had a tank without a sump and then one with one, I would do everything I could to get a sump set up and running.

 

[ScottR]

A sump is ideal but not necessary. After you do the no-sump HOB method, you’ll want to convert later.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Hob filters aren’t nearly as efficient as sumps.

 

[arturoo1977]

A sump gives you flexibility and room to hide things from sight. Also gives you some problems like return flow balancing, downflow pipes noise, pump getting low on water... etc
As everything in this life, pros and cons

 

[Waterislife]

A 55 gallon is the sump, now you need a tank, lol. Imo sump is essential to a saltwater system. I've had tanks without a sump and eventually comes down to should of had a sump. Makes keeping a tank so much easier.

 

[Chad Sepulvado]

I had a 125 reef with a simple fluval canister. Corals grew like crazy. Never had an issue. Cosmetically I like my sump, but I didn’t mind the canister at all

 

[Quietman]

No, of course you don't need one. But I look at like this, everything you do that goes against what's generally recognized as "easiest path to success" will limit your choices in livestock and reduce options in equipment selection and system management methodologies. So, yes you can absolutely be successful with HOB, canister or In-Tank equipment. But that equipment will usually not be able to support higher end corals or as much fish load for a give system size.

That said, I also think this is great way to start as long as you have your expectations set right...hardier, less demanding soft corals and a limited number of hardier "beginner" fish that you add slowly. Also, you can add HOB overflows without drilling to add a sump at some point and up your game slowly (and when you're ready for the expense).

The one big difference you'll have right off the bat and is key to success is water you start with. I'm sure you've been reading but the importance of good source of RODI and the ability to do at least 10% weekly water changes (at least initially) cannot be overstated. And the importance of that goes up with HOB equipment. That was probably biggest difference in maintenance practices I had from freshwater to saltwater.

Good luck!!!

 

[don_chuwish]

If it was a fish only 55G I'd say go for it with a good HOB or even canister filter. But for a reef tank I think you should consider a sump, and maybe a different tank. 55G are so long and narrow they are hard to aquascape well for coral and lighting options that work well are limited. I have one that I used for a large QT when I had to get everything out of my 120G for a while. Great for giving bigger fish the room they need.

 

[lilgrounchuck]

I started with a sump for my 50 and after I had to move the tank I couldn’t fit one under the new stand without it being very inconvenient. I switched over to a Seachem Tidal 110 and an HOB skimmer and other than having some stuff on the back wall now, I haven’t noticed a difference. Livestock doesn’t care, fish are happy and the corals are still growing just fine. Do make sure to use good water to start up though. That’ll be the biggest hindering factor in starting out successfully. My FW planted tank uses conditioned tap and I don’t have issues with algae or anything, but when my RODI filters exhausted and I wasn’t paying attention my reef tank let me know with an algae explosion.

 

[DaneGer21]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but 55gal tanks are a pain to use for aquascaping. They are so narrow it’s tough.


Just a thought