Sump or cascade 1000 filter

[nbologna12]

Trying to decide if I want to use a sump or my cascade filter on my 55gal saltwater reef set up.
Opinions......?

 

[Mebbid]

I would use a sump / refugium in a heartbeat. Especially if it's going to be a reef. It is a bit more pricey to do but offers way more benefits in the long run, especially if you plan on growing any macro algae in it.

 

[woody390]

Always a sump in my opinion or could always do both lol

 

[Andy71uk]

Sump no question

 

[nbologna12]

What's the benefit of the macro algae? I know I want to get a mandarin goby and guess the sump is a good place to grow the pod population.

 

[woody390]

Yeah the sump will provide an area with no predators for the pods for them to breed. The macro algae will grow and will use nutrients from the water to grow so will reduce the nutrients in the water as long as you trim the excess macro algae.

 

[Mebbid]

+1

It also increases the volume of the tank giving you safer water parameters as well as a place to keep all the tank equipment out of sight.