Sump or Canister filter?

Porkchop1776 · Jan 27, 2022

I'm wanting to set up my first reef tank and need to hear some opinions. I bought a used 55 gallon that was previously set up with salt water, it came with everything the owner had including a canister filter. I plan on building my own stand and I need to know should I try to build a sump or just use a canister filter? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I want to make this set up right and look forward to my journey in this amazing hobby.

LegendaryCG · Jan 27, 2022

If you can do a sump, do a sump. Reef equipment is heavily designed with sumps in mind. But you can make it work.

JNalley · Jan 27, 2022

Porkchop1776 said:
I'm wanting to set up my first reef tank and need to hear some opinions. I bought a used 55 gallon that was previously set up with salt water, it came with everything the owner had including a canister filter. I plan on building my own stand and I need to know should I try to build a sump or just use a canister filter? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I want to make this set up right and look forward to my journey in this amazing hobby.

I ran a 55gallon on 2 Cannister filters and a Hob skimmer for 12 years. One of the Cannisters was only turned on for water polishing, the other ran 24/7.. It can definitely be done.

That said, this isn't 2001, and I am much happier running a Sump, less maintenance involved which means I get to enjoy my tanks more these days.

homer1475 · Jan 27, 2022

Canister filters work, but they are more maintenance.

As already posted, most equipment is designed for a sump.

If you can do a sump, you won't regret it.

Porkchop1776 · Jan 27, 2022

Thanks for the input. That being said if I build a sump would a 20 gallon long give me enough filtration?

Red_Beard · Jan 27, 2022

the size of the sump really only affects what equipment you can put in it. If you want a refugium, ats, skimmer, socks, etc in there i would size it off that. When i built mine i built a fake one out of cardboard using my equipment wishlist for sizing on the baffles to make sure it would all fit when i eventually got it.

Porkchop1776 · Jan 27, 2022

Red_Beard said:
the size of the sump really only affects what equipment you can put in it. If you want a refugium, ats, skimmer, socks, etc in there i would size it off that. When i built mine i built a fake one out of cardboard using my equipment wishlist for sizing on the baffles to make sure it would all fit when i eventually got it.

I will definitely keep that in mind, Thank you.

adittam · Jan 27, 2022

It can totally be done with a canister filter, but it requires more strict adherence to a regular maintenance schedule.

Tons of opinions on this topic here:

QUESTION OF THE DAY - Canister Filters: Canister filters are a viable, inexpensive way to filter a reef tank. True or False?

Today let's talk about canister filters and if you would agree or disagree with the following statement: "Canister filters are a viable, inexpensive way to filter a reef tank." 1. Do you agree or disagree? 2. Do you run a canister filter on your reef now or have you in the past? Thanks...

www.reef2reef.com

GARRIGA · Jan 27, 2022

Ran a fish only system in the mid 90s on a canister. Could have added corals if needed. Only thing missing was lights and dosing. However, sump makes it easier to hide all equipment and if you want to run a skimmer it’s just more pragmatic. I’d use the canister to provide additional biological and better process for chemical and polishing. Run both.

Willhersh34 · Jan 27, 2022

Definitely do a sump. A 20 gallon long is totally fine, I run that on my 75 gallon FOWLR. Even if you only use the sump to house equipment -I.e. little to no filtration components - you keep unsightly equipment out of the DT and from hanging on the tank. That alone is worth it.

Screwgunner · Jan 29, 2022

Sump!!!! If the tank has built in overflow if not start with canister . I personally would not start a saltwater tank with out a overflow built in .

Porkchop1776 · Jan 31, 2022

Screwgunner said:
Sump!!!! If the tank has built in overflow if not start with canister . I personally would not start a saltwater tank with out a overflow built in .

I'm taking my time and trying to build this thing right, Do you have any good suggestions for an overflow?

adittam · Jan 31, 2022

Porkchop1776 said:
I'm taking my time and trying to build this thing right, Do you have any good suggestions for an overflow?

Is the tank already drilled? if so, please post a picture showing how it's drilled...

Porkchop1776 · Jan 31, 2022

adittam said:
Is the tank already drilled? if so, please post a picture showing how it's drilled...

It is not drilled I'm trying to get a good idea of what to do first.

adittam · Jan 31, 2022

Porkchop1776 said:
It is not drilled I'm trying to get a good idea of what to do first.

You're gonna need to drill it (hang on the back overflows are a recipe for a flood), but first read this sticky thread if you haven't already.

SUMPS - The Rundown

SUMPS - The Rundown By definition a sump is a pit or hollow in which liquid collects, in particular. (Wiki). If you are new to the aquarium hobby, you may have heard the word sump before. In the aquarium hobby, and even in professional setups like those in zoos and public aquariums the use of a...

www.reef2reef.com

Porkchop1776 · Jan 31, 2022

adittam said:
You're gonna need to drill it (hang on the back overflows are a recipe for a flood), but first read this sticky thread if you haven't already.

SUMPS - The Rundown

SUMPS - The Rundown By definition a sump is a pit or hollow in which liquid collects, in particular. (Wiki). If you are new to the aquarium hobby, you may have heard the word sump before. In the aquarium hobby, and even in professional setups like those in zoos and public aquariums the use of a...

www.reef2reef.com

I plan on drilling it I just want to have a solid plan on the whole set up first. I'll definitely give it a read, Thank you.

adittam · Jan 31, 2022

Yep, I completely agree. Before you get even deeper in, though (both in time, materials, and money), I would consider if you want to switch out the tank to a 75 gallon. Most of the equipment you got with this tank should transfer over, since they are both 4 foot long tanks, but the other dimensions of the 75 compared with the 55 will give you more aquascaping and fish options, since they'll have more swimming room. That's not to say you can't make a beautiful, successful reef tank with a 55 gallon, but a 75 is just better in my opinion.

\m/reefsnmetal\m/ · Jan 31, 2022

You can run a sump and canister filter. I do both because my sump only houses my refugium and heater. I also use Eshopps HOB overflow because I didn't want to drill my tank. It works fine. Hundreds of feedings and a few power outtages and I've never lost the siphon. The trick is routine maintenance as it is with anything in this hobby.

Porkchop1776 · Jan 31, 2022

adittam said:
Yep, I completely agree. Before you get even deeper in, though (both in time, materials, and money), I would consider if you want to switch out the tank to a 75 gallon. Most of the equipment you got with this tank should transfer over, since they are both 4 foot long tanks, but the other dimensions of the 75 compared with the 55 will give you more aquascaping and fish options, since they'll have more swimming room. That's not to say you can't make a beautiful, successful reef tank with a 55 gallon, but a 75 is just better in my opinion.

I will definitely keep that in mind, Thank you for the help.

Screwgunner · Jan 31, 2022

If you install a lift pump to a hob overflow you shouldn't have a problem . If you like tangs you will need a 125 gallon 75 will keep a bristle tooth tank. If there is a sticker on the bottom of your tank that said do not drill don't try it will shatter.