Keep it Simple! No the more the more better!

[Cichlid Dad]

There are multiple ways to run a successful sump. What is your way. Super simple could be a open tank just a refugium and return. Simple would be the traditional 3 camber starter sump with a filter sock, skimmer chamber and return section.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

My super sophisticated sump on the six y.o. 36 gallon bowfront.

 

[Arkardios]

None at all.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

I have a simple setup, skimmer chamber+skimmer (which I never need to use) filter sock chamber, refeugium and return

 

[vlangel]

I have as simple a sump/refugium as there is; a 30 gallon tank with rock, sand and macroalgae. Return pump and drain in sump tank.

 

[Rjukan]

Mine is even more simple than the simple option. Just a skimmer and some LR

 

[MnFish1]

There are multiple ways to run a successful sump. What is your way.

Curious - it's not clear what the difference between simple and very simple is? Also - I think you can do it (not sure) it would nice to see 'no sump'

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I have as simple a sump/refugium as there is; a 30 gallon tank with rock, sand and macroalgae. Return pump and drain in sump tank.

I love it! This is what I mean by very simple

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Curious - it's not clear what the difference between simple and very simple is? Also - I think you can do it (not sure) it would nice to see 'no sump'

Done

 

[Cichlid Dad]

My 40 breeder with just a return chamber at the back corner and a skimmer. Very simple

 

[MarsReefer]

I have a filter chamber, a fuge, a skimmer chamber, and a return chamber.

Not crazy complex, but not super simple either.

 

[0MNSH1ZLLC]

No clue what simple is…I’ve got a few UV sterilizers, a carbon reactor, bio reactor, bio bricks, apex, skimmer and ato.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

No clue what simple is…I’ve got a few UV sterilizers, a carbon reactor, bio reactor, bio bricks, apex, skimmer and ato.

I would say on the complex side, most reefers would recognize everything and know how it works, but more than just the basic traditional sump. @vlangel would be very simple which is kinda the way I have mine

 

[vlangel]

I would say on the complex side, most reefers would recognize everything and know how it works, but more than just the basic traditional sump. @vlangel would be very simple which is kinda the way I have mine

I like very simple because then less can go wrong. The less equipment and moving parts, the less likelihood of something breaking. The bio filter is what does the work so all the sump tank needs is oxygen and light.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I like very simple because then less can go wrong. The less equipment and moving parts, the less likelihood of something breaking. The bio filter is what does the work so all the sump tank needs is oxygen and light.

And I will add to yours, if you go on a trip and have someone watch the reef, it's way easier for them to fix an issue over the phone .

 

[Lavey29]

Mine is a simple 3 chamber.

 

[vlangel]

And I will add to yours, if you go on a trip and have someone watch the reef, it's way easier for them to fix an issue over the phone .

I actually put this to the test this past summer! My husband and I rode our motorcycles from PA to Alaska which took 23 days. I put an auto flake feeder on the tank and had family come in twice a week to feed frozen food and fill up the ATO. It was scary but the tank did just fine. I did not even have to talk anyone through anything over the phone!

 

[kevgib67]

The simplest, no sump.