Sump do I need it?

[Slinkthug]

At the moment I have 20 gallon and 30 gallon tanks both about a month old and by the way I'm new. Both have fluval 206 Canister but no sump and no skimmer. I want it simple but if I need to add one or both System above would it be okay to add them after let's say 5 or 6 months


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[ReeferBob]

Sumps are always better due to the increase in system volume and a place to put some of your accessories. The 206 is ok too if you clean it every 1-2 weeks. Adding a sump at any time is not an issue if you do HOB overflows. Drilling is preferred but would require breaking down the tank in most cases.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Is it necessary?? NO. I ran a 125g FOWLR for years without a sump. And because of the size of your tanks, you don't need a skimmer either, although they will help a bunch, its not necessary either. You will however be watching your water parameters closely, and doing water changes, as this will be your way of exproting excess nutrients.
Cleaning your filter out weekly will also help in keeping Nitrate issues down.

 

[Rockadile]

I agree with reefer. if you had to choose I would go with a skimmer.

 

[Slinkthug]

Thanks guys very helpful advice and one question when I start my 55 I can only use tap water and water Conditioner, when I add salt I bought 2 25 gallons boxes of instant ocean sea salt do I add both boxes and Let the circulation pump run I would have to 5 more gallons right.


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[beaslbob]

Like most things a sump is not absolutely necessary. Plus it does add complexity and can result in floods.

That said it does hide filters and refugiums and can be very beneficial.

If you want to go simple and inexpensive you could just partition off the back portion of your tank to form a refugiums, put in some macro algaes, and light up that area.

my .02

 

[ReeferBob]

Thanks guys very helpful advice and one question when I start my 55 I can only use tap water and water Conditioner, when I add salt I bought 2 25 gallons boxes of instant ocean sea salt do I add both boxes and Let the circulation pump run I would have to 5 more gallons right.


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IO makes 1.022 water I think so that is not enough you should have 1.024-1.025. You need more water for water changes as well. Buy the 200 gallon box ($48).

Saltwater Aquarium Salt: Aquarium Systems Instant Ocean & Reef Crystals Synthetic Sea Salt

Also yes for a new tank with no livestock just dump it in and let the tank mix it.

 

[Slinkthug]

it's at that mark at the moment


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[amppdx]

I ran sumpless for a couple years, but had a HOB skimmer and GFO/carbon in a HOB filter too. If you are OK with doing weekly maintenance (WC and on your canister) you can do alot for a long time. One thing to consider though is finding a way to make a surface skimmer for your canister to draw from. IMO you would be well off with some way of clearing the surface of your water. Organics will build up there and block gas exchange.

 

[Slinkthug]

Okay cool thanks


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[ReeferBob]

it's at that mark at the moment


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Ah - yes the rock and substrate take up volume. I'd get a refractometer asap however way more accurate. I shoot for just under 1.025.

 

[Slinkthug]

I'm going to need live rock for 55 gallon can I start with 20 or 25 pounds and add the rest lil by lil.


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[ReeferBob]

You don't need live rock. Get base rock it will all become live in a few months. $2/lb for Marco rock. Get maybe 10lbs live to seed the rest.

 

[mike007]

I have a 100 gallon reef that has no sump. I use a Remora skimmer with a overflow box. Also use a small hob which i run my carbon through. Lots of live rock and circulation with two Ecotechs mp 40's. Tank stays crystal clear and water parameters are excellent. So the answer is no you do not have to have a sump. Do not use tap water. Keep it simple.

 

[Slinkthug]

Okay thanks


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[Slinkthug]

I have a 100 gallon reef that has no sump. I use a Remora skimmer with a overflow box. Also use a small hob which i run my carbon through. Lots of live rock and circulation with two Ecotechs mp 40's. Tank stays crystal clear and water parameters are excellent. So the answer is no you do not have to have a sump. Do not use tap water. Keep it simple.

Where do I get water that's not tap water in New York lol


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[Trentondrummer33]

Go to your Lfs and ask for RO water usually like $1-2 a gallon


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[LisaD]

Where do I get water that's not tap water in New York lol


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RO/DI unit!! Excellent investment


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[amppdx]

Lots of grocery stores have filtered drinking water that you can get by the gallon from a dispenser and 5 gallon water jugs too. Still not as good as RO/DI from a quality unit, but better than tap

 

[AZDesertRat]

Put off starting the 55 until you can get RO/DI water and you will be much happier. If its worth doing, its worth doing right the first time! Water is the single largest ingredient in a reef tank by far and everything depends on its quality and its stability. If you start out correctly from the beginning and use only RO/DI for top offs and water changes in the future that removes one nagging doubt from your mind in the future if something doesn't look right. You will always know its not the water as long as its good RO/DI and you use a good name brand salt mix.