Old School Basic vs. Sumped Reef

[Persun87]

So struggling which way to go with a new 75 gallon tank. After using a lot of different methods over the years I am looking for a low maintenance reliable setup for a mixed reef mostly lps and mushrooms.
I originally was leaning towards the old school lots of rock and run the new seachem tidal hang on filter for my mechanical. This would be sumpless and Skimmerless.
Now I am torn if I should stick with a sump and drill the tank for a synergy shadow or eshopps eclipse slim overflow.
Initial cost is not a factor as with equiptment I have cost would be very similar. Looking for good pros, cons, and expierences.
Thank you

 

[Mark Gray]

Following

 

[Lowell Lemon]

If you want to go sumpless try Tunze. A reef pack might be just wht you are looking for and includes automatic top off system.

 

[Luis Figueroa]

I got a sumpless tank...30 gallons with hob but I do have a protein skimmer nothing fancy (Berlin 90) have the carbon filter that comes with hob filter.

This is with a gel filter on sg7

 

[Paul B]

My sumpless mixed reef has been running since 1971. But I do use a skimmer and a lot of rock. I am also very old school so I run a reverse undergravel filter. Very little maintenance or water changes.

 

[simo]

My sumpless mixed reef has been running since 1971. But I do use a skimmer and a lot of rock. I am also very old school so I run a reverse undergravel filter. Very little maintenance or water changes.

Thats a nice tank paul. I follow nearly all ur threads keep it up Paul [emoji38]

 

[jeffrey holloway]

The amount of rock you use will make a difference on the choice. I ran a 55g with very little rock and every HOB and Cannister filter I had on hand from my fresh water days plus a skimmer rated for a 100g and still couldn't keep the tank clean. I did weekly and bi weekly water changes. I had 10 fish total with three large tangs. it was only for a few months while the DT went fallow. A sump would have given me options that I did not have. Got a Glass Cages 65g Starfire for xmas and definitely will be adding a sump.

 

[jeflen651]

I have a 40 gallon breeder that I run with a Autotop 500 gph canister filter and a Remora Aqua C skimmer for the last 3 years. In my opinion the tank is very healthy and with very few issues. The biggest issue that I had was algae on the glass that I would have to clean every other day. In November I have started using "Vibrant" to control algae and now I only clean my glass once a week. I do water changes every other week and clean the canister monthly. The only thing that I run in my canister is carbon and gfo as needed.

 

[Luis Figueroa]

I have a 40 gallon breeder that I run with a Autotop 500 gph canister filter and a Remora Aqua C skimmer for the last 3 years. In my opinion the tank is very healthy and with very few issues. The biggest issue that I had was algae on the glass that I would have to clean every other day. In November I have started using "Vibrant" to control algae and now I only clean my glass once a week. I do water changes every other week and clean the canister monthly. The only thing that I run in my canister is carbon and gfo as needed.

What is vibrant? My hanna checker shoes 0 on p04 but I know there's some there. My glass also needs cleaning very other day

 

[Mark2480]

I'm a fan of the old school ways but with that said having a sump just gives more options if you ever need them imo. I have run successful tanks both ways for years but just prefer having a sump if i can.

 

[jeflen651]

What is vibrant? My hanna checker shoes 0 on p04 but I know there's some there. My glass also needs cleaning very other day

Check out the Vibrant threads here on R2R and read though them, they are very interesting reads. I bought mine through Fragtastic reef.com. It does work! My po4 is also 0 with Hanna checker and under 5 on nitrates.

 

[Paul B]

Simo, if I keep living I will keep the tank.

 

[Persun87]

Nice tanks guys thanks for the pointers. I'm still torn but it is nice to see some low tech tanks that look great.

 

[Mel 2038]

Decisions, Decisions! I have to say, over the years, I've been through both. My first marine tank, had 2-3 inches of crushed coral, a under gravel filter, a heater, and was driven by a air pump. Fast forward some years, and my tank has, things, running other things, and a electronics section, that some say, could launch the space shuttle for NASA! (lol) I would say it is totally up to what you prefer. There are some very simple ways to run a tank, without a sump, especially with modern filtration. However, if your "a gadgets type of person" like I am, then you would want a sump. I like the fact that, I can do a lot of my service, and hide a lot of things, in my sump. You'll just have to decide for yourself, what works best for you. There are plenty of "successful tanks" running either way. The great people on this sight will attest to that. I wish you the best in your journey!

 

[WhiskeyCoffee]

I have a 29g with a sump and sometimes I wish I didn't drill my tank but I feel like it was a better choice in the long run. I have a refugium with chaeto and it grows like crazy.

 

[lion king]

If the cost and drilling isn't an issue, I'd go with a sump. It just gives you more options, whether it be to add a skimmer at point, or even a refugium. You can be successful either way. You never know what your tank will evolve into, in a year or two; and you might want to add dosers or reactors, or whatever.

 

[Vahanyos]

I'm doing a no sump very basic build and I'm using tunze comline pack without the skimmer so far.... it's working out good. Not a lot of bioload yet but tank is doing great.

 

[Vahanyos]

Oops uploaded wrong pics lol