To Sump or Not to Sump

[MrsDragon]

Do you or don't you sump? How important is it?

I understand that it adds to your total water volume as well as acts as a type of filtration for your tank. Coming from a fresh water background, I have had it explained to me that my live rock is my filter system for my salt water tank and I was also strongly advised to take my canister filter off my tank - twice before I got the courage up to do it.

Other than being a convenient way to hide all of your equipment out of site to better enjoy the view if your tank, why do people run sumps?

My main reason for wanting to know is that I currently have a 2ft cube marine tank running and I also have a 5ft x 2.5 x 2.5 fresh water tank I am thinking of changing to marine but it doesn't have a sump and is not drilled and I'm wondering if I can use it without a sump.

Thanks

 

[Texas Reefer]

Sump!

 

[gcrawford]

Sump! Things you can keep there:
Skimmer
ATO
Heater
Temp probe
Ph probe
Fuge
Dosing
GFO reactor
Carbon reactor or bag

 

[mike007]

I think It depends on the size of the tank. I have successfully had a 100 gallon tank before with out a sump and It worked great. I was using hob skimmers and such and it can be done. A sump will add volume and a place to hide equipment but you do not have to have one to have great results.

 

[MrsDragon]

My tank is between 375-400 ltrs, which is about 100 gal I think.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Its kinda a matter of it being able to get you more water, equalling more stable parameters, then being able to run macro algae that will help maintain water quality, or running an algae turf scrubber which helps an aweful lot in water quality. Along with being able to hide most all of your equipment down there. Its not necessary, but man it does alot of things for you.

 

[NanaReefer]

I ran my 26g without a sump for 3yrs. Now I have a 40B with a 20L sump...honestly I will never run a tank without a sump again! You hear reefers say this all the time. But it's true...it is so much easier, cleaner and convenient having a sump. Oh and sooo quiet!

 

[MrsDragon]

Well, it looks like I'm in the process of upgrading to a 4ft with a sump :0

 

[NanaReefer]

Well, it looks like I'm in the process of upgrading to a 4ft with a sump :0

You will not be sorry

 

[MrsDragon]

Lol. It's from another member on a FB site and he's putting together a decent pack for me. Will post pics when done. Looks like my cube will become a lovely freshwater tank soon

 

[thedasher]

What you can also have in the sump is a refugium which you can grow macro algae, which catches and reduces phosphates and other bad things in your tank. A sump is also a good place to keep bad/unwanted fish until you can find them a good home.