When to get a sump and why?

[Wxguy23]

75gal FOWLR

Leaning towards a couple “easy” corals.

Have two marinand 300s
And a UV sterilizer (I assume works)
And that’s it.
Ordered at BH 1000 HOB protein skimmer.
I’ve got more pipes in my tank than a patient in the ER.
I have a cabinet under to do a sump. But honestly that looks like mass confusion to me. And I don’t clearly understand what it all does in comparison or what to get.

At what point to I dump for a sump. (And skimmer)?

 

[Crabs McJones]

You can add a sump at pretty much any time. They make continuous siphon overflows, and over the rim returns so that you can add a sump at any time. Otherwise if you want to go the more professional route, empty out the tank and drill it (assuming it can be drilled) and then plumb in a sump. With no coral now would be the time as everything would be able to survive just fine with minimal to no light. Sumps can seem intimidating, but once you start to dive in it's pretty easy. And your tank will look so much cleaner

 

[Wxguy23]

How much $$
As I question buying stuff now or later, but spending double.

 

[NoobReeefer]

you add a sump when your tired of looking at all the stuff hanging off the back of your tank, want easier maintenance or more water volume

 

[Wxguy23]

Suggestions on what to get?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Price is going to vary based off what you want to do. If you want to do a DIY sump or premade. Drilled or hang on back. Plus skimmer and other equipment

 

[Wxguy23]

Thanks for the advice so far.
So I’ve been looking and reading. Not sure of the option of drilling in my glass...so I looked at overflow boxes.

Then kits...etc. While I’ve said I’m “frugal” I am concerned at the cost. Initially I got in to this knowing there is cost. But I’m concerned as to what I want to spend to achieve what I want. Just got lights and all for almost $300.

My guesstimate is an additional $5-700 to get all I need on the lower end to add very little.

Here’s my goal.

Have some cool fish. (Which I have had for almost 2 years).
Have a couple large anenomes (I’ve had for 8 mos). for my clowns to play in. I have one who seems to be struggling, bleached, but alive with a tiny little brother next to it. I feed it and just bought two 165w LEDs. Not sure how it’s responding as it is open, but tucked away and not hungry.

I don’t want a bunch of corals. But have considered islanding some Xenia and green stars. I like movement. But nothing else now due to fear.

Now....I don’t have an RODI system, I use prime and my water has been tested to be decent, but with silica, that I treat with bags of phosguard.
I also run two bags of Purigen..(sp).

I just bought a Oct BH1000 to HOB to maybe help. In box now.

I don’t do water changes enough I’m sure. Maybe every few weeks. Might be hurting myself there. But my water has been testing fine. And I have very little algae, a diatom bloom every blue moon and my clearity looks good. To me at least.

I don’t mind the clutter in the back because all the black looks sleek, but sure it could all look better.

For what I have and what I only want to achieve, what would you do?

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

A sump is far from a requirement for the tank that you're describing. There are some benefits from the added volume of water and skimming the surface to remove the film that forms, but nothing earth shattering. Most people do so that they can hide more of the clutter into the cabinet or so they can run larger-than-hangon skimmers and such.

IMO, you'll be better served putting that money towards a good RO system. There is a lot that can be coming through unfiltered tap water that would hinder your long term success. Things like copper from your pipes and even nitrates and phosphates from the local utility can hinder your long term success in the hobby...

 

[Wxguy23]

A sump is far from a requirement for the tank that you're describing. There are some benefits from the added volume of water and skimming the surface to remove the film that forms, but nothing earth shattering. Most people do so that they can hide more of the clutter into the cabinet or so they can run larger-than-hangon skimmers and such.

IMO, you'll be better served putting that money towards a good RO system. There is a lot that can be coming through unfiltered tap water that would hinder your long term success. Things like copper from your pipes and even nitrates and phosphates from the local utility can hinder your long term success in the hobby...

Thanks. I’m not against that.
I don’t think my tank is too ugly.
Will the HOB skimmer help and shall I set it up?
Will it reduce the need of water changes?

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

The skimmer will help for sure. I'd definitely set it up. Even if you don't wind up skimming a lot, you'll get better gas exchange and oxygen saturation.

Your water change schedule isn't terrible, but I wouldn't use a skimmer to reduce frequency any more...

 

[Wxguy23]

The skimmer will help for sure. I'd definitely set it up. Even if you don't wind up skimming a lot, you'll get better gas exchange and oxygen saturation.

Your water change schedule isn't terrible, but I wouldn't use a skimmer to reduce frequency any more...

Will I still be able to house and GROW anemones, Xenia and green Stars, or would I be asking too much of my system?

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

Xenia and green star polyps will grow in a bucket.

Anemones are a more difficult answer. They can be some of the most difficult specimens to keep in a reef tank... Usually bubble tip anemones do better than some others (if you're looking for something a clown might host in)...

 

[Wxguy23]

Xenia and green star polyps will grow in a bucket.

Anemones are a more difficult answer. They can be some of the most difficult specimens to keep in a reef tank... Usually bubble tip anemones do better than some others (if you're looking for something a clown might host in)...

Thanks. The clowns I have host my seabea. And love it. But not sure how much it loves them. Considering adding another healthy one.

 

[Wxguy23]

Thanks. The clowns I have host my seabea. And love it. But not sure how much it loves them. Considering adding another healthy one.

 

[BestMomEver]

Xenia and green star polyps will grow in a bucket.

Anemones are a more difficult answer. They can be some of the most difficult specimens to keep in a reef tank... Usually bubble tip anemones do better than some others (if you're looking for something a clown might host in)...

The biggest deal for anemones is light. In my experience, the stronger the better. Spectrum is also important. Your water changes seem ok. I don’t have a RODI unit but I am able to buy RO water from the local LFS. I have eight 5 gallon buckets... four fresh for water top off and four saltwater for water changes. If I had to make a suggestion, I would invest in an auto top off system. They are relatively cheap and will end up being the best money you can spend.

As @S-t-r-e-t-c-h has noted, Xenia and star polyps will grow rapidly in most any setup. Some people hate the stuff cause it can get out of control quickly. I like flowy stuff too so I glued some Xenia to the back glass of the tank. It’s easy to keep in check cause I can scrape it with a razor blade.

A hang on skimmer is fine. If you find you need a bigger one, you might need a sump to put it in but that could be down the road.

My suggestion... buy the best you can afford. I can’t tell you how many wave makers, pumps, lights, etc. that I’ve bought trying to save a few dollars. In the end, I bought the good stuff so now I have a parts store worth of half decent equipment. Money wasted. Wait and collect the equipment you need a little at a time, then buy a few corals if you want. I would start with a better light and an ATO.

 

[BestMomEver]

Edit... I see now you have a better light. What brand is it?

 

[Michael Llabona]

I think it should be noted that you don't need a sump to be successful in a reef. My dad runs all HOB and has great success in his mixed reef. But he is very consistent on his water changes and cleaning of his equipment. I personally like sumps cause I hate looking at equipment. Id say if your nitrates and phosphates are low you probably don't need to invest the money to convert.

 

[Wxguy23]

Edit... I see now you have a better light. What brand is it?

Chinese.

 

[BestMomEver]

Chinese.

Do you have access to a par meter? Sometimes local reefers have them that you might can borrow. One of the LFSs here offer one to rent. That way you can measure the par of your light. Sebae anemones are hard to keep and they need good light. I’ve been reefing for yours and the only anemone I’ve kept successfully is a bubble tip. Certainly many do well with Sebaes but I have not. There is an anemone/Clown forum here that can lend advice.

If the par value of your light is not enough, I would start with that. There are TONS of people here that can advise you on lighting. I run a Radion on my 60 but there are many excellent lights out there.