Sump Question

[c-bass]

When you add a sump to your system, it of course increases water volume... Is this new volume used in the "stocking guideline"? Can you add more fish because of the increased water volume?

 

[justDIY]

size or "volume" of the tank is what decides how you can stock your fish, saltwater or freshwater - the amount of room fish have to "spread" out.

having more water means you have a larger "buffer" against sudden changes in temperature and chemical composition...

the added benefit of a sump allows you to maintain a constant water level in your tank even while doing things like water changes (depending on your plumbing). this helps avoid undue stress on your fish.

sumps are also a great place to 'hide' heaters, filters, excess rock, etc...

 

[echo7]

The sump will add more surface area and more water to dillute wastes, unless however you have some-thing bacteria can grow on in a sump otherwise it will not increase filtration capacities, just oxygen and dilluting capabilities. I wouldn't stock the tank as though the water in the sump was in the tank, because if the tank is crowded it makes aggresion more likely.

 

[c-bass]

Ok... Thats what I figured but I thought I'd make sure.