sump tank

REEFer man · Jun 1, 2009

what are the benefits of a sump tank?

Afterdark230 · Jun 1, 2009

sumps are used to hold all the equipment like heaters, skimmer, any chemical biological filtration/ reactors. A Sump can also act as a refugium. do a look up on google for sump and you will find alot

Geoff · Jun 2, 2009

More water volume to keep params,temp more stable, hides your equipment. Goto melevsreef.com, lot of info there on sumps and also gives you ideas on building one.

Screwtape · Jun 2, 2009

A sump gives you greater control over your reef or fish-only display tank. The benefits far exceed the risks, and thus most successful aquariums you'll see utilize a sump. Some even incorporate a refugium as well. Here are the numerous benefits derived from incorporating a sump into your current setup:

Increased total water volume - This dilutes your water of accumulating pollutants, and helps avoid issues that occur quickly in sumpless tanks.

Skims the surface - No more surface scum, just crystal clear water.

Lowers temperature - I've observed a 2° F drop after the sump is installed.

Hides equipment - Heaters, protein skimmers, monitoring probes, grounding probes and more can be moved to the sump & out of the display tank.

Consistent water level - The display tank will maintain the same water level all the times; evaporation occurs in the sump over time (see auto top-off).

Safe place to pour in additives - Adding chemicals or new (Reverse Osmosis De-Ionized) water in the sump allows it to mix before entering the display tank.

Increased circulation - The return water from the sump is yet another way to move water in your tank. You can point the return outlet(s) in different directions to create flow, instead of putting more powerheads in your display tank!

Increased oxygenation - As water drains into your sump, air mixes in the water, allowing beneficial gas exchange, releasing CO2 and adding fresh O2.

Optional Features:

Automatic top-off device - Install an automatic float switch to add new water, as needed, from a nearby holding tank to keep your system filled up. Example

Refugium - This lighted area can grow macro algae, which takes up nitrates from your water. The plants also add oxygen, and help maintain pH levels when the display's lights are off. This predator-free zone will allow good growth of copepods, ampipods and other microfauna that eventually end up in the display tank as food for your inhabitants.

Click to expand...

Melevsreef.com - What is a Sump?

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sump tank

REEFer man Plankton

Afterdark230 Flamingo Tongue

Geoff Teardrop Maxima Clam

Screwtape Tonozukai Fairy Wrasse

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sump tank

REEFer man Plankton

Afterdark230 Flamingo Tongue

Geoff Teardrop Maxima Clam

Screwtape Tonozukai Fairy Wrasse

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