Sump vs HOB

samnaz · Jul 22, 2017

My current setup is a 20L with an Aquamaxx HOB-1, and an AC-110. I'm upgrading/transferring to an IM 30L very soon. I originally planned to use all the same HOB equipment on it but now I'm contemplating a sump.

What would YOU do?

Questions/concerns....
- I know almost nothing about sumps, drilling, or plumbing. Figuring it all out would take a few weeks at least and put the transfer on hold even longer.
- Would the tank be able to support the weight of everything hanging on the back wall? This includes a Nanobox Quad, filter, and skimmer. Total weight would be around ~40lbs I'm guessing.
- My HOB skimmer is brand new and works great so I'm not interested in getting a new in-sump skimmer (unless I can't use my HOB skimmer on a sump for some reason).
- Does the IM Nuvo Black have tempered glass? I don't even know.

Reasons to do a sump:
It's now or never.
The new tank is beautiful, and hang-on equipment is ugly.
The stand is huge and empty, plenty of room for a sump.

Reasons to do all HOB:
I already have all the equipment.
It's easy.

tdileo · Jul 22, 2017

Sumps are super easy! I would gladly walk you through every step if you would like, as long as you're willing to take some measurements and pictures as well as learn how to glue PVC.
A sump adds extra water volume, a place to hide all of your equipment like skimmers and heaters. If you have extra room you can also have a refugium which can reduce nitrates and phosphates as well as create a breeding ground for pods, which are needed for fish like mandarin gobys and other fish will enjoy snacking on them. In addition they help eat leftover stuff in your tank too.

samnaz · Jul 23, 2017

Ok so one vote for sump... Anyone else have an opinion!?

Forsaken77 · Jul 23, 2017

I personally don't prefer any hang-on stuff because it puts extra stress on the glass.

But the IM tanks are AIO, right? I don't even know if the Aquamaxx would fit. That's why IM makes their own Ghost Skimmer, which is so-so to say the least.

My brother-in-law had the IM Nuvo SR-80 (80 gallon) tank and at Reefapalooza we asked Marine Depot if the Aquamaxx hang on skimmer would fit and they said no. Maybe the regular Nuvo's are different, but I would think if it wouldn't fit on one of their bigger tanks, it sure wouldn't fit on a smaller one. But the SR's are shallow reef, so maybe the tank wasn't deep enough or the back filter wasn't wide enough.

But if you have an AIO tank, why would you add a hang-on filter as well (not the skimmer)? I would also confirm with MD whether the Aquamaxx will fit.

samnaz · Jul 24, 2017

Forsaken77 said:
I personally don't prefer any hang-on stuff because it puts extra stress on the glass.

But the IM tanks are AIO, right? I don't even know if the Aquamaxx would fit. That's why IM makes their own Ghost Skimmer, which is so-so to say the least.

My brother-in-law had the IM Nuvo SR-80 (80 gallon) tank and at Reefapalooza we asked Marine Depot if the Aquamaxx hang on skimmer would fit and they said no. Maybe the regular Nuvo's are different, but I would think if it wouldn't fit on one of their bigger tanks, it sure wouldn't fit on a smaller one. But the SR's are shallow reef, so maybe the tank wasn't deep enough or the back filter wasn't wide enough.

But if you have an AIO tank, why would you add a hang-on filter as well (not the skimmer)? I would also confirm with MD whether the Aquamaxx will fit.