sump or no sump?

[futurefishguy]

hey guys! i have two questions about sumps. the first, what does a sump do? Second, do i need a sump for a 55 gallon saltwater reef tank? thanks for answering!

 

[boehm742]

Google and searching the forums should get you about everything you could possibly want to know about them and then some. Some reasons include having a place for things like heaters, skimmers and other equipment rather then in your display tank. You can often also add a refugium depending on design/size which is good for macroalgaes to filter water as well as give a place for pods and such to reproduce without being eaten by the fish. Just to name a couple...


*Edit*
I had a 20L on my 55 before i got a bigger tank.

 

[aquabull]

More than just a sump, an overflow would be helpful. Being able to draw the water off the surface allows not only proper gas exchange, but also puts the surface skim (ammino acids) where a protien skimmer reacts best. This is difficult to achieve efficiently without a sump.

 

[Tonynlo]

I would never have a tank without a sump again, whether salt or freshwater. The increased water volume alone makes it worth it.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Sumps are the best, i hide everything I can in them. Thereare hob overflows that will do the trick.

 

[mainereefer]

look at allflow freedom filters. sump would be better but these filters are for tanks that cant have one

 

[AZDesertRat]

Given a choice from the begining I would always choose a sump. Its not always easy to retrofit later but its a no brainer with a new system.

 

[mcfadden]

sumps are great. extra water volume,a place to add tank additives and other equipment.