Sump. Yes or No?

[26Heavy]

Hello, I am a newbie to reef aquariums. I have a really nice 60 gallon rimless cube that I am going to use for my first set up, but was originally not meant for a saltwater tank so it is not pre-drilled for plumbing. I was going to go with a canister filter and a hang on protein skimmer. But now I'm wondering if I should go with a small cube sump with a hang on overflow instead.

I just wanted some feedback on which way might be best.

Thanks

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Bump

 

[Solo McReefer]

 

[Glowurm]

Yes

 

[robinm]

If you can fit a sump it's preferable. It allows you to hide all sorts of equipment that you may want to add further down the line, you can also set up a refugium which again has many benefits.

 

[twentyleagues]

I know its a little more hassle now but I recommend you drill it if possible. HOB overflows are a disaster waiting to happen. I vote sump, more water volume, better skimmer options, hide the equipment, possibilities of fuge or ats.

 

[Om84]

I will never keep a reef without a sump for the aforementioned reasons.
Even this micro tank has a sump!

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/micro-reef-ready-tank-0-3-gallon-standard-black-pnw-customs/

 

[eliaslikesfish]

I will never keep a reef without a sump for the aforementioned reasons.
Even this micro tank has a sump!

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/micro-reef-ready-tank-0-3-gallon-standard-black-pnw-customs/

0.3 gallons is wild lol

 

[eliaslikesfish]

as someone who started with an all in one and have already now ordered a tank with a sump, go with the sump. you will not regret that decision.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have a small 1g pico with a sump. My main 20g tank does not have one. However, when I get a bigger tank, I will have a sump for it

 

[shakacuz]

if you have space for a sump, run one. significantly more benefits to having one, than not.

can you run a tank just fine without a sump? yes.

 

[TX_REEF]

yes, if you have the space and budget, it makes everything easier, neater to hide equipment and increases total system volume which can help stability.