to sump or not to sump

[stevenbonano]

Hello everyoneim about to make the jump from an aquatop nano 5 gallon to a starfire 50 gallon cube. I was just wondering if i should be looking into getting a sump? The best skimmer to use? Type of lights? Im sure i have to start over cause all my nano equipment is way underrated. But can i save a couple $ by reusing the sand and LR or am i better off new. Thanks for any input.

 

[macscale]

The LR you can definitely re-use, howeverthe sand I wouldnt.
I personally love my sunps, they make so many things easier and cleaner.
Look into the Reef Octopus Skimmer, I love them.
As for lights it depends on your budget.
Remember always shop R2R sponsors first!

 

[fishroomlady]

I'd use the LR as long as it's not covered in algae or anything. As macscale advised, start with new sand. I ran a 54 corner that was a FOWLR for many years with all hang on things. I was intimidated by a sump but I upgraded to a 65 gallon with a sump and it is the way to go for sure! Lights really does depend on your budget. I use T5's and love them. A lot of people are going LED so you'll need to research those but costs have come down somewhat.

 

[beaslbob]

If you go sump I recommend you build a simple test setup with a couple of plastic storage containers, bunch of pvc and a pump.
be sure to adjust so that:
1) the sump does not flood with power off.
2) normal operation returns when the power returns.
3) the upper container does not flood when the overflow fails (break siphon/blockage).
To save a few bucks if the new tank is not drilled you can make a hob overflow with $20 worth of pvc.
IMHO it's best to have floods in the garage then livingroom
you might also consider an in tank refugium. I just use 1/4 square grid (egg crate) to partition the back 3" of my old 55g. So that area protected macro algaes in there.
Nitrates went from 60PPM+ to unmeasureable in 3 weeks and my fish really enjoyed grasing on the macros and pods that poked through.
BTW that tank ran for 9 years with landscape type rocks, play sand, no water changes and no skimmer.
my .02

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

If you can, I would definitely have a sump. It is a great place to have some of your equipment such as heaters and skimmer. It will also help to increase the water volume which is always a plus.

As far as the live rock goes, like the others have said, if you like it, I would use it. If it is filled with unwanted hitchhikers, I would ditch it. As far as the sand, I would use it. Typically, I would recommend ditching most of it. You only have a 5 gallon tank and the sand you have would be good to seed the new tank.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Sump isn't necesary. Its a good thing to get in the long run, but not a necessity.
HOB Skimmer- SWC BH 100F, Reef Octopus BH 100, AquaMaxx 1
Lighting- 165W Dimmable Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light Marine Reef Coral Fish Tank Lamp | eBay
120W Oceanrevive S026 LED Aquarium Light Dimmable Full Spectrum LPS SPS Lamp | eBay

Its ok to use the Sand and Rock that you currently have. Your going to want to rinse out the sand really well before using it though. The Rock, don't let it dry out, try and keep it in tank water until the move, or throw it in a bucket of tank water until its needed. Use a heater and powerhead in the bucket.

 

[60squared]

I'm running a 60 gallon cube at the moment with a radion and reef brite xho leds. And while technically a sump is not needed I would highly recommend one makes it possible to run filter socks and gives me room to grow macro algae and it is also a pod haven. Plus a cube looks so much cleaner without all that junk hanging off from it

 

[stevenbonano]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Is there any size i should go for? is buying one worth it or a diy better?

 

[stevenbonano]

Thank you. This is something i had never considered. I dont have any unwanted algea/hitchhikers at the moment. One quick question though? Who sells the best testing kit for SW? my old one is jus that. A hand me down

 

[LetItReef]

Thank you. This is something i had never considered. I dont have any unwanted algea/hitchhikers at the moment. One quick question though? Who sells the best testing kit for SW? my old one is jus that. A hand me down

For PH, Nitrate and Ammonia test kit I use API, for Phosphate- Seachem and works well for me. You may look into RedSea or Hanna. Good luck.

 

[DrBoxedWine]

Sump all the way! I have a Lifereef Overflow, they're as "flood proof" as you can get with an overflow and they have zero issues with a power outage. You're only concern would be the line running from the tank to the sump (or the tube taking water from the in-tank portion of the overflow to the back "out of tank" portion getting clogged. The cost a little more, but it's well worth the piece of mind, IMO.

 

[3dees]

while a sump is the best option, a tank can work without one. I have severe back problems so I went sumpless on my 120 gal. softie/lps tank. a year and a half and all is well.