Should I get a sump?

[907_Reefer]

the guy at my local lfs REALLY made it sound like sump will be needed

Yes also on the LFS advice, a sump is not required. Others here have already covered, they increase volume, give you a place to hide and add additional equipment if wanted, and they do add some complexity.

As noted this is our second 55 G, (second one above) here's a pic of the first 55 (only broke it down to move 5,000 miles) running live rock/sand, an HOB protein skimmer, no sump.

 

[Tlledsmar]

If you do wanna go with sump. You don’t have to drill tank. CPR cs50 hob overflow into sump. 300-350 gps return pump. That’s how I roll

This is true, I've only had one drilled tank and it was the actual worst overflow setup I've had in terms of my preferences and noise

 

[Mavsaltwater]

I'm going to offer my experience with a sump vs canister on my 75gallon, and I believe this would Apply even more to a smaller 55g.


I ran a year or 18 months on a canister and a HOB skinmer. I had great success, clear water, easy maintenance, happy fish, explosive coral growth.


I added a 20g sump during a move and reset up (I kept all my rock and stock alive) I went sump so that I could put the skimmer and heaters out of sight and I wanted to add a refugium later and hopefully reduce microbubbles. Also, an overflow would pull from the top so no more film. I have noticed that the corals aren't doing well, I'm having to feed them directly again as I did when they were small. There's no algae. I have to feed my algae eaters specifically. I have tons of crap floating around the tank that filter sock is not taking care of where the canister was much better at polishing. And microbubbles a plenty. Even with a bubble trap. I understand a lot of this is from the reset but things are not "bouncing back" as fast as they really should based on past experiences. Oh, and it's LOUD there's no way to have a truly quiet sump I don't care what people say. Now add in that most people are going to advise you to have 3 idiotic drains and have adjustable valves on them instead of calculating out overflow but I digress. So only pluses I have are no film and my equipment is out of sight.


125 gallon or bigger, sure I'd go sump AND a small canister. I'm contemplating removing my sock, putting a timer on my skimmer, and adding a small canister to polish the water.


There's benefits but I wouldn't say that they outweigh the problems on a smaller tank

Thank you! You are the rare pro cannister who actually explained it so well. I appreciate it! I’ll roll with the cannister for the time being then and see how it goes!

 

[Mavsaltwater]

Yes also on the LFS advice, a sump is not required. Others here have already covered, they increase volume, give you a place to hide and add additional equipment if wanted, and they do add some complexity.

As noted this is our second 55 G, (second one above) here's a pic of the first 55 (only broke it down to move 5,000 miles) running live rock/sand, an HOB protein skimmer, no sump.

Thank you! I’ll get a HOB skimmer and see how it goes! And your tank is absolutely beautiful and total goalsss!!!

 

[Mavsaltwater]

if u'r having success and happy w the canister, then I'd stick w it. The Live Rock (LR) will act as good biological filter. Canister just requires diligent maintenance as it's less forgiving when it comes to tank husbandry. Also canister would become more challenging should lots of corals and fish get added.

A sump is not a "must" for successful tank. Anytime there's uncertainty about lfs advice, please post a thread here to corroborate.

GL

Thank you so much!! Beyond appreciative to be part of a such a helpful community!

 

[Mavsaltwater]

I'm on my second 55 with no sump, and don't have any issues with a few heaters and HOB skimmer (might be a good upgrade for you) out on display. Still plenty of room to enjoy the view and a simple setup!

Thank you! I’ll definitely get a HOB filter. And your tank is Beautiful!!! Love the rockwork!

 

[Uncle99]

Hi everyone, I am running a 55 gallon saltwater tank for about 7 weeks now. I used Dr. Tims the first 6 weeks and when the ammonia and nitrite hit 0 continuously, I got 2 baby clowns last week. I currently have a cannister filter in it with 40 plbs of live rock and live sand along with hermit crabs and snails. I do want corals eventually probably in a year when tank is more stable. I’m extremely intimidated by sumps (I bought the tank used and it came with the filter and used to be a freshwater so nothing is drilled). Is there an easy way to set up a sump? Do i really need one? I feel like its better for the long run which I plan to be. Just really dont know where to start. Should it be DIY or should I get someone? Please please any advice is appreciated as well as what you guys think the cost will be (I already have a RODI, heater, and protein skimmer).

This is a 65g with only a canister and skimmer.
Sump is not mandatory.

 

[Tlledsmar]

Thank you! You are the rare pro cannister who actually explained it so well. I appreciate it! I’ll roll with the cannister for the time being then and see how it goes!

This is just my experience but... after I switched 2 out of my 4 trays to seachem matrix my nitrates were a non issue

 

[Fish Styx]

To sump, or not to sump? THAT is the question.

As others have already stated, it is not a requirement, and you can absolutely run a healthy and successful system without one. When I first got into SW many years ago, I ran my tank without one and it was just fine.

As I progressed in the hobby, and moved on to larger setups, it made sense for me to add one for additional gear and a cleaner look in the DT. Ultimately, do what is best for you with the space and finances you have available, and your setup will still accomplish its ultimate goal: bringing you joy.

Namaste.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi everyone, I am running a 55 gallon saltwater tank for about 7 weeks now. I used Dr. Tims the first 6 weeks and when the ammonia and nitrite hit 0 continuously, I got 2 baby clowns last week. I currently have a cannister filter in it with 40 plbs of live rock and live sand along with hermit crabs and snails. I do want corals eventually probably in a year when tank is more stable. I’m extremely intimidated by sumps (I bought the tank used and it came with the filter and used to be a freshwater so nothing is drilled). Is there an easy way to set up a sump? Do i really need one? I feel like its better for the long run which I plan to be. Just really dont know where to start. Should it be DIY or should I get someone? Please please any advice is appreciated as well as what you guys think the cost will be (I already have a RODI, heater, and protein skimmer).

Sump would be less maintenance versus needs for a canister unit , making maintenance and access to components such as skimmer, return pump and offer a place to utilize for any aggressive fish. I run a reactor and algae scrubber at my sump and it keeps all the clutter below the tank

Sump can be basic but the challenge you will face is if your tank is Not reef ready with an overflow to the sump. You can also go with hang on back refugium

Basic

 

[FurrierTransform]

Since you're just starting, consider going slowly. As you've already stated, add a hang-on protein skimmer, before adding a sump. Since your tank is already running, don't drill the bottom if you want to add a sump, you can use a siphon or pump to move water around; in some sense, a sump is a large canister or hang-on filter, so you can always add another canister or hang-on filter and skip a sump. I've had tanks with and without a sump. Both work well.