Sump pros/cons

[TheGreatOne]

I have been debating on making a sump for my 30 gallon tank and was looking for some advice. Other than freeing up space in my DT is having a sump a good idea of not. I understand the idea of having more water volume and the ability to do the water changes and things through the sump. Also will it cost more on the electric bill or not since I will still be running the same equipment as before? I am just wanting to make sure I have as much knowledge as I need before I spend the money if I do decide to go this route.
Thanks for any help or advice

 

[Mike in CT]

How big of a sump do you think you would be able to have? For the record, I was sumpless for 15 years, then when I wanted to go full reef I drilled my tank and added a sump.
I love it being able to keep most of the equipment down there and also the added volume. It's really up to you. If your having good luck and done want to change anything leave as is. If your in the mood for tinkering you will be happy you did.

 

[TheGreatOne]

I have a 30 gallon DT and room for about a 20-30 gallon sump on the bottom of my stand. I have a glass tank so I do not think I will be able to drill it so I will have to get an overflow box. I like to tinker with things and really want to get my gear out of my DT other than my powerheads

 

[Mike in CT]

You will be greatly adding to your water volume with a sump that big so I think it will be well worth your effort!
You can drill glass, but that would require breaking down your setup but you probably don't want to do that.

 

[knotsmart]

If you don't want to drill the bottom of the tank and make it"reef ready" you can buy an over flow.. many benefits.. the DT never has low water, the water level in the sump fluctuates, if you sump is large enough, your water change is only in the sump, no stress to the fish, anytime you add cal, mag , kalawasser you add it to the sump giving it a chance to dissipate in the water, no chance of strong solution coming into direct contact with the fish and coral..and as someone already mentioned, you increase your water volume, more water, the longer it takes for you water parameters to change, of course the down side is the more $ you spend on salt for the water change

 

[hybridazn]

If you don't want to drill the bottom of the tank and make it"reef ready" you can buy an over flow.. many benefits.. the DT never has low water, the water level in the sump fluctuates, if you sump is large enough, your water change is only in the sump, no stress to the fish, anytime you add cal, mag , kalawasser you add it to the sump giving it a chance to dissipate in the water, no chance of strong solution coming into direct contact with the fish and coral..and as someone already mentioned, you increase your water volume, more water, the longer it takes for you water parameters to change, of course the down side is the more $ you spend on salt for the water change

Most mass produces tanks use tempered glass for the bottom piece so drilling the bottom glass is out of the question anyways.

 

[knotsmart]

Most mass produces tanks use tempered glass for the bottom piece so drilling the bottom glass is out of the question anyways.

Really? Mine was plate glass, I drilled it out myself with a diamond hole saw and bought the fitting from my LFS for $6.. I guess worse case scenario is if you break it go buy a piece of plate glass and silicone it in

 

[TheGreatOne]

If you don't want to drill the bottom of the tank and make it"reef ready" you can buy an over flow.. many benefits.. the DT never has low water, the water level in the sump fluctuates, if you sump is large enough, your water change is only in the sump, no stress to the fish, anytime you add cal, mag , kalawasser you add it to the sump giving it a chance to dissipate in the water, no chance of strong solution coming into direct contact with the fish and coral..and as someone already mentioned, you increase your water volume, more water, the longer it takes for you water parameters to change, of course the down side is the more $ you spend on salt for the water change

Thanks for your response. With the use of an overflow into the sump is there a way to make sure that there is not a flood in case my power goes out?

 

[knotsmart]

In the past in an old tank I had the unfortunate experience of getting too much air in the over flow siphon.. resulting in the pump pumping all the water out of the sump up to the tank and the water pouring over the top of the tank and on the floor.. remedy? Keep an eye on the siphon and make sure there's no air in it

 

[Mike in CT]

Look up "Lifereef" overflow if you want to go in that direction, supposedly one of the best out there.
You can always drill the back of the tank also....usually not a problem with tempering.

 

[Feet4Fish]

Look up "Lifereef" overflow if you want to go in that direction, supposedly one of the best out there.
You can always drill the back of the tank also....usually not a problem with tempering.

Totally agree on lifereef iverflows. Also could consider Aqua-link Acrylic Design Products which is more reasonable priced.

 

[steve&mari]

Eshopps is designed same as reef life but cheaper these still can lose siphon I'd drill tubes on them add airfitting and use a aqualifter pump. CPR has a fitting already for aqualifter pump and a nice look I ran the CPR for few years with aqualifter and never had a flood. Lost power multiple times be sure the return has a small hole just below surface to break siphon as well...Steve

 

[jcrider48]

H2Overflow

check out the H2Overflow. Easiest way to connect a sump. Yes you have to drill your tank but it's a great design and 1200gph. They also sell returns that will not allow your tank to back drain in the even of a power outage. Siphon stoppers I believe. Both are made by custom aquariums. Look them up. Best prices and stand alone technology.

Also for your question. Any sump is beneficial for the extra water volume and cleaner looking tanks.

 

[schneid0c]

if i were you i would just buy a 30 gal tank drill it and swap tanks in a day. or just house everything in a vat or temp container. it will be worth it in the long haul. in my opinion overflows over the rim of the tank isn't worth the risk. look into glass holes.com . the added water volume with a sump plus hiding equipment is the best look and functionality.

 

[mrjlopez731]

Pretty much it's up to you and what you would like for an outcome. With that I mean you have less maintenance and you water quality last longer but in the same affect, when it's time to clean you have a much longer process. Your sump also can hold things and gives you added space but again it's taken space you may need for other things like you tank supplies. (dry food, med, ect) For me the sump is a must have because I have seen better results but not all have been good and the same. Try it first, if it works for you then great but if not working then go back to without it.

 

[ArtbyWilliamE]

Hi . A sump is always good in my opinion gives more volume as stated before. The thing I like is the water level is always the same in the main tank.you could use the sump as a refugium if large enough. If not drilling tank use two overflow boxes.one for the filter and a spare for gravity overflow no pump on this one.only thing I found out was you have to check often every day for Siphon breaks.to Lesson Siphon Breaks Make A I. Eight tube heated and shaped to the u tube attach 1 eighth flex air line .push the bent flex tube assembly into the u tube start it siphoning into the sump.again check often.this will prevent any tank overflow in case the main box is clogged or Siphon Breaks and the pump is still running.i use this backup method in my 72.for several years so far no problems

 

[Searey]

I currently have a 30 JBJ rimless tank with a pvc overflow that goes into a 10 gallon refugium. None of my equipment is displayed. Everything is hidden beneath by stand. Corals and fish look very happy and are growing.