Sump?

[saywill]

Can someone please explain the purpose and the benefits to having a sump? Also, is it worth it for a 55 gal?

 

[artoledo]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=12

 

[Innovator]

A sump adds aeration and water volume to the system as a whole, which can help stabilize water parameters than a smaller and less forgiving system. They also allow you to set up any chemical/mechanical filtration, hardware separate from the main display (cleaner appeal), and even partition a refugium. You do not have to utilize a sump; however, for the simplicity and positive viewpoints I don't see why not? Of course, this would also require you to drill the tank (safest route) unless it is already "reef-ready." In a 55g I would go with a 20g-30g.

 

[melosu58]

I agree with James. Aeration and extra water volume are great things.

 

[saywill]

My tank is not pre drilled, is that a real problem? The reason I am considering it, I got my hands on a nice 20 gal that will fit well under my 55.
What should I put in the sump? Live rock, sand?

 

[Innovator]

There are h.o.b. overflows, but I simply do not trust them. There are many threads on reefcentral in the diy forum in regards to drilling tanks. You can do it yourself or have someone do it for you. Either way, do read up on drilling glass tanks Most sumps will contain heaters, skimmer, and chemical filtration such as carbon, phosbans, purigen, etc. They can also be converted into refugiums where liverock and macroalgaes can be housed/grown. Here's some articles that may be of interest:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-04/gt/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-07/gt/index.php

 

[saywill]

Thanks for the advice. After reading the links you provided, I am not sure that I am going to go forward with the sump. I am really nervous about the possibilty of a flood.

 

[chase33]

Anything is possible, but if the tank is drilled and the sump is setup correctly a flood is less likely to occur.

 

[ezy33]

I have a DIY sump (20 GAL) on my 30 GAL glass, mainly for a refugium (5 GAL) to produce PODs for my Mandrins. After making my own overflow I would recommend you use a premanufactured overflow to prevent any flooding. The sump houses the heater, filter, and skimmer. With the sump and refugium add 10 GAL to the system and hides all but the power heads, overflow and the return. When I bought my first reef (55 GAL) it came with a sump. IMO For a FOWLR it's not a necessity if you have plenty of live rock.