To sump or not to sump

[Trilobite]

75 gal reef about 5 weeks old. Considering putting in a sump. Just wondering if it's a requirement to have one. Currently running a fluval 704.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

75 gallon... Not a requirement. Plenty of HOB and Canister options. If its not already reef ready, dont trust the over the back hang on boxes. They will all fail at some point.

 

[shakacuz]

if you have the space, i say go for it (although not entirely NEEDED). if you don't have the space, then no need to go for it.

 

[dschuffert]

It is not a requirement. I do like a sump over a canister. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here, whatever your personal preference is and how much time you have for maintenance. There are other factors too such as Bioload, etc.

 

[Spare time]

If you can, its so much nicer.

 

[Dom]

I vote sump.

While advanced aquarists have success with HOB filter systems, for newer reefers, I recommend a sump.

The biggest advantage to a sump where newer reefers are concerned is the added water volume.

Remember:

• A sump adds water volume.
• More water volume means less fluctuation in water chemistry.
• Less fluctuation means greater water chemistry stability.
• Stability is the foundation of success.

Aesthetically, sumps are nicer. They allow the tank to have a much cleaner look, which is important if the tank is in your living room and not your man cave.

Sumps also provide a good place for dosing and provide an emergency hiding spot for a newly discovered fish that is the target of aggression.

My experience with hang on equipment has been a positive one. I find that when you stick with reputable stuff like Marineland and Aquaclear, failure rate is minuscule. I have an Aquaclear 110 that is 16 years old and I replaced the impeller one time. But I am faithful in its maintenance, breaking it down monthly for servicing.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

I'm running a 75gal and using a sump. Before this tank I had a fluval canister filter but was hard to keep nitrates down, was constantly cleaning the sponges inside.
Sump adds volume and easy access for cleaning, let's me keep equipment down in sump and out of display tank including probes for monitoring.
If it's not a drilled tank don't fret, there are good overflow boxes. I'm using a Lifereef setup and the thing is rock steady!!! Does not fail, even holds siphon when pump stops and picks right back up when the pump starts again, I love it.

 

[PotatoPig]

Sumps definitely aren’t required, but do have a lot to offer.

IMO major benefits are, in no particular order:

1. Added water volume.
2. All your life support gear is hidden away.
3. Opens up a huge array of life support options: heaters, skimmers, mechanical filtration, biological filtration, dosing, ATO, etc etc
4. You can set it up for refugiums to aid nutrient export and/or to help boost things like pod populations.

 

[cillam]

as somebody new to the hobby i don't think a sump is needed but is definitely nice with the increase in water volume and a place to hide my pump, filters, heaters, ATO, refugium co2 scrubber, etc.

I had a fresh water tank around 10 years ago and had the hang on filters and heater in the display tank.

I prefer the look of having the sump, the only cable going into my display tank is for my wave maker

 

[Paul B]

Nice, but definitely not needed. My tank is running 52 years and never had a sump.

 

[The_Paradox]

as somebody new to the hobby i don't think a sump is needed but is definitely nice with the increase in water volume and a place to hide my pump, filters, heaters, ATO, refugium co2 scrubber, etc.

I had a fresh water tank around 10 years ago and had the hang on filters and heater in the display tank.

I prefer the look of having the sump, the only cable going into my display tank is for my wave maker

Sounds like the perfect excuse to get a MP40