Size limit for HOB filters.

[CoastieFlo]

Hello reefers, so I've seen smaller nano tanks run HOB's and look amazing. These aquaclear 110's are running 500 GPH which is plenty turnover for the size and have endless versatility. I understand the pros and cons of a sump, but I honestly think people including myself are spending too much and complicating things just for the sake of having all the fancy new things. Are there any reefers out there running aquaclears on tanks 75 gallons and larger? How big can I go running aquaclear 110's until I absolutely need to run a sump. I dont care about looks, I prefer a canopy anyway to hide equipment and light glare plus I think a row of Aquaclears would look pretty cool plus easier to maintain versus a canister filter or even a sump to a certain degree.

 

[AJsReef]

There’s plenty of tanks out there without sumps, if you stock appropriately and have a good maintenance schedule you can even get away without any kind of filter.
Sumps are the norm because generally speaking they allow more flexibility for filtration methods while adding water volume.
Sump or HOB at the end of the day are accomplishing the same goal if sized appropriately.

 

[Nemo&Friends]

I have a HOB Tydal110 on my 120 G, for several years.
No sump and no skimmer. Plenty of live rocks.14 Fish (between 2 and 10 years old) are doing fine. No corals, except for 1 gogornian I got 3 months ago.
I do not think sump are necessary, but probably nice to have.

 

[Jekyl]

I have a 90g without a sump. HoB filter and a skimmer. Coral and nems doing great.

 

[CoastieFlo]

I have a HOB Tydal110 on my 120 G, for several years.
No sump and no skimmer. Plenty of live rocks.14 Fish (between 2 and 10 years old) are doing fine. No corals, except for 1 gogornian I got 3 months ago.
I do not think sump are necessary, but probably nice to have.

What would make you want a sump if you were to have one? Would it be ease of maintenance, more effective filtration/ adding a larger skimmer, refugium etc...

 

[Weasel1960]

I have a 90g without a sump. HoB filter and a skimmer. Coral and nems doing great.

What are you using for an HOB and what is your bio load like?

 

[Nemo&Friends]

What would make you want a sump if you were to have one? Would it be ease of maintenance, more effective filtration/ adding a larger skimmer, refugium etc...

I would use it more like a refugium and grow macroalgae to feed my foxface, would hide the heaters and the filter for a nicer look, and It would get a bigger water volume. But I have done fine without it.

 

[Jekyl]

What are you using for an HOB and what is your bio load like?

Cheapest HoB I could get that would fit my rimmed 90g. I keep floss, a sponge and chemipure in there. Needed something that skims the surface. Not a fan of over stocking so have 8 fish.

 

[waterbox15aio]

Hello reefers, so I've seen smaller nano tanks run HOB's and look amazing. These aquaclear 110's are running 500 GPH which is plenty turnover for the size and have endless versatility. I understand the pros and cons of a sump, but I honestly think people including myself are spending too much and complicating things just for the sake of having all the fancy new things. Are there any reefers out there running aquaclears on tanks 75 gallons and larger? How big can I go running aquaclear 110's until I absolutely need to run a sump. I dont care about looks, I prefer a canopy anyway to hide equipment and light glare plus I think a row of Aquaclears would look pretty cool plus easier to maintain versus a canister filter or even a sump to a certain degree.

You don’t need to run a sump though IMO after 50g or so I’d strongly recommend running a skimmer. While HOB skimmers are available, insump skimmers are generally better quality and more effective. Above 200g there aren’t many hob skimmer choices.

 

[Duncan62]

Hello reefers, so I've seen smaller nano tanks run HOB's and look amazing. These aquaclear 110's are running 500 GPH which is plenty turnover for the size and have endless versatility. I understand the pros and cons of a sump, but I honestly think people including myself are spending too much and complicating things just for the sake of having all the fancy new things. Are there any reefers out there running aquaclears on tanks 75 gallons and larger? How big can I go running aquaclear 110's until I absolutely need to run a sump. I dont care about looks, I prefer a canopy anyway to hide equipment and light glare plus I think a row of Aquaclears would look pretty cool plus easier to maintain versus a canister filter or even a sump to a certain degree.

My favorite fish store runs hob filters an all the smaller tanks and her stock is always healthy and beautiful. Less fish disease than with a central system. If you do water changes then these things work great.