So I have been looking to upgrade to a larger saltwater tank from my nano tank. I cannot lie the whole sump system is very intimidating to me. I am settling on a 55-65 gallon tank. I have seen tanks at this sized offered with sumps when purchasing the tank and also just the tank. So I am just scratching my head now trying to decide which set up will be easier in long run. Which tank would be best at this size. Do I even need a sump at this size. So anyone who has kinda been in similar situation and had to make this decision any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sump vs No Sump
- Thread starter ScottyD36
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Everything except the initial setup is easier with a sump. Everything, heaters, skimmers, auto top offs, any equipment you try and run in the future. Added water stability, added filtration and much more.
Everything is harder without a sump except setting it up. Limited equipment availability, everything has to be hang on the back or sides, your tank will be cluttered from day 1 ect.
Everything is harder without a sump except setting it up. Limited equipment availability, everything has to be hang on the back or sides, your tank will be cluttered from day 1 ect.
count krunk
Valuable Member
Do not get a standard 55g!!!
The dimensions on that tank are awful for reefs.
Yes do a sump if you can, they are not nearly as difficult as you think. Also do a bean animal drain. It is the way.
The dimensions on that tank are awful for reefs.
Yes do a sump if you can, they are not nearly as difficult as you think. Also do a bean animal drain. It is the way.
Echoing everyone else. Having a sump will benefit you in the long run. Plus it provides you more display room and you’re not losing it to a filtration system. More options for equipment and not limited to small sizes due to the lack of sump. To your other point, I was hesitant also because of the plumbing. But once setup, it’s pretty much worry free
b.clark
Community Member
So I just went through this myself. I had a 40 gallon breeder no sump. I found a great deal on a 75 gallon with a 30 gallon sump. My wife and daughter never really cared much about the 40 gallon breeder but they both love the 75 gallon. It looks 100 times better with the equipment underneath and tank looks a lot better. I can complete all maintenance in the sump. The skimmer in the sump has more control. You will not regret the sump. Room for additional corals and easier to maintain. I run a herbie drain that is quite, a varios pump with float switch, and sump is big enough if power goes out it will not over flow. I even coated the inside of me stand with flex seal so if and leaks it stays in the stand. You will love the sump set up. Attached are photos of both of mine.
Attachments
Went from a 29g all HOB equipment to a sump set up (Red Sea XL300). I won't ever do a HOB set up again after having a sump. Having everything cleanly tucked under the tank just makes everything cleaner. Way more options on gear due to space.
With that being said, I am also on board with AIOs. At 55 - 65g, that's kinda pushing it in my opinion. I would still go sump.
I was also intimidated by the whole idea. That is why I went with a complete system with tank, stand, plumbing, and sump. Easy peasy. Throw on a return pump and done.
With that being said, I am also on board with AIOs. At 55 - 65g, that's kinda pushing it in my opinion. I would still go sump.
I was also intimidated by the whole idea. That is why I went with a complete system with tank, stand, plumbing, and sump. Easy peasy. Throw on a return pump and done.
When I still had my 60gal I was using a canister filter it was a pain in the a** always clogging. I them switch to a sump and I'll tell you it was a game changer nothing in the tank and the extra water volume was great. Don't be intimidated its just like riding a bike scary at first but once you can do it easy
blasterman
Valuable Member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2019
- Messages
- 1,730
- Reaction score
- 2,025
HOBs are actually not bad....if you DIY. I use a 5gal parked behind my 20gal as a all in one because I don't have space for sump on its stand. Not everybody does.
Sumps are tough to get your head around until you see one in person or set one up. Then it all makes sense.. HOB over flows vs drilling a tank also make things foggy. My DIY over flows work better than commercial ones because they are simpler. The commercial ones work, but are just expensive.
First tine you need to add macro algae to combat a nutrient problem you will kick yourself for not having a sump.
I don't an issue with a 55standard but I prefer shallower tanks.
Sumps are tough to get your head around until you see one in person or set one up. Then it all makes sense.. HOB over flows vs drilling a tank also make things foggy. My DIY over flows work better than commercial ones because they are simpler. The commercial ones work, but are just expensive.
First tine you need to add macro algae to combat a nutrient problem you will kick yourself for not having a sump.
I don't an issue with a 55standard but I prefer shallower tanks.
Scoobydoo
Active Member
What size tank should i use for a sump for a 20 gallon breeder?
On my 60 and 75 i have a 20 long. Hopefully in a week or so brs gets the sump I want back in then I'll be selling my baffle kit. But the kit I used to make my sump is a fiji cube diy and the tank is a aqueon 20l from petco.
Scoobydoo
Active Member
Scoobydoo
Active Member
Yes and i was going to use a 10g for a sump is that to much or not enough?
