Sump or no sump

SourAngelfish · May 30, 2018

I got offered a fully established 40 gallon tank for 300 dollars. This is perfect for me as I’m only 14 and I barely make any money. The only thing I’m hesitant about is that there is no sump. The tank is 5 years old and is growing lps and softies fine. Should I get it or pass?

Justfebreezeit · May 30, 2018

Tough call since your that young and income is limited. Hard to be picky in that case. A lot of people have had some amazing tanks sumpless.

The only real drawback is you cant hide your equipment

LetItReef · May 30, 2018

With lights, testing kits- the whole nine yards? But if your are hesistant, don't go for it.
Also, If money is limited bigger tank means more water/more salt to keep that established tank that you are planning to buy.

Phelipe's Ocean · May 30, 2018

I got a full custom biocube for 200 even if you dont keep the tank the equipment is what matters. What does it come with?

Servillius · May 30, 2018

I’m going to agree. Get a picture of the system and as good a shot of the components as possible. I’d normally say no to no sump, but this is really about what’s included in the deal.

manilaboy1vic · May 30, 2018

i think its personal pref.. if you dont mind HOB skimmer or whatever or seeing the heater hanging around.. go for it.. i had a 30g sumpless for a while.. it was fine.. HOB skimmer and filter with chemipure elite in it.. easy 5g water changes..

just wanna make sure the system has some sort of ATO.. i wouldnt want to top off the tank every single day for years on end.. water evaporates, salt does not.

SourAngelfish · May 31, 2018

It pretty much comes with everything except the sump, and I’ve already got testing kits and stuff for my other tanks. I was actually setting up a 55 gallon over the summer but this may be a better option.

LEOreefer · May 31, 2018

First off it’s great to see younger people getting into this amazing hobby! Your doing your research which is great. When I was 17 (I’m now 28) I had my first salt water 30 gallon tank. I had a HOB skimmer and a canister filter no sump. What you want to do is entirely possible. Stay on top of water changes and don’t over feed. It really is true less is more.
Don’t be affraid to ask questions and really study your tank. Learn what it looks like when everything is in check, this way you can tell when something is wrong. Your on the right path !

JonPhillips · May 31, 2018

No sump, no deal.

Paul B · May 31, 2018

I have never had a sump and my tank is very old, I am moving in a week or so and ordered a new 125 gallon tank to put everything in, also with no sump. You can see no equipment in my tank.
It's just a personal preference.

Clownfishy · May 31, 2018

I too run my aquariums without a sump and been very happy not having a sump, especially if like me, you have it located on the second floor. The less water exiting the main aquarium the less chance you will have water leaks coming through the downstairs ceiling!

SourAngelfish · May 31, 2018

It has corallife dual fixture high out put light, and some sort of canister. I’m not sure if it has a skimmer. She’s also giving me all of the corals, rocks, and inverts.

Clownfish2 · May 31, 2018

TheReefer27 said:
I got offered a fully established 40 gallon tank for 300 dollars. This is perfect for me as I’m only 14 and I barely make any money. The only thing I’m hesitant about is that there is no sump. The tank is 5 years old and is growing lps and softies fine. Should I get it or pass?

IMO, a sump is not required. The only benefit of the sump is it allows you to increase your total water volume and hides your equipment. I have two small 20 gallon tanks each with a HOB filter, a powerhead, and a heater. No protein skimmer. It is not difficult to hide a heater and powerheads in these tanks.

nereefpat · May 31, 2018

Sump/no sump aside,

That seems like a lot of money for a used 40 gallon tank. Can you tell us everything that comes with it?

For 400$, you could get a new 40 breeder along with the equipment you want.

SourAngelfish · May 31, 2018

I just asked for a list of equipment so I can price check everything. I forgot to mention that I’ve seen this tank before. I just don’t have pictures. It’s a pretty nice tank and had a pretty good bit of coralline.

SourAngelfish · May 31, 2018

Okay here are my options...

Either start up a 55 gallon with a sump from the beginning or...

The 40 Gallon with...
No sump.
A PF 40 UV filter
A hang on protien skimmer
And 30" coralife lunar aqualight HO t5.
35 Pounds of liverock
2”sand bed
Lots of corals (leathers and mushrooms)
A clean up crew
An optional coral beauty angel
Already established

SourAngelfish · May 31, 2018

Now it’s time to find out how much the 40 gallon really costs

LEOreefer · May 31, 2018

TheReefer27 said:
Now it’s time to find out how much the 40 gallon really costs

I think that’s a decent deal. But I would start with new sand. Between the live stock and rock your probably sitting around $300 in value

SourAngelfish · May 31, 2018

These prices are from amazon.

The filter is $70

The HOB 65 gallon corallife skimmer is $120

The light is $140

The liverock at the lfs costs 2.99 a pound so the lr is $104

The other stuff is probably an additional $100

So the tank is about $414

Forgot to mention it comes with a stand which probably costs a bit more and the tank itself.

Therefore it’s worth about $550.