Can you have a larger sump?

Are there any inherent disadvantages of having a sump/'fuge that is larger than the display tank?

 

I've got 125 gallons of DT and 180 gallons of sump in the basement. (Plus a 30 breeder frag tank). Besides setup cost, I can't think of any disadvantages. Maybe heating cost. My water is much more stable, and I have a lot of room to add whatever I want. Benefits far outweigh any disadvantage, IMO.

 

Agreed, as long as your wallet can handle it (more electricity to heat as mentioned, more water for each water change, etc) and you are good with the weight of the system, it will definitely be great for the system!

 

I'm just going to be setting up a tank for my son and he is only looking for like a 40 long tank. I will be making the stand (made the stand and hood for my bowfront) and I can make it any size I want. Want to use a tank the same size or larger to hide everything in and have as large an area for the return pump section as possible!

 

Sounds like a plan. It can be frustrating if the sump isn't large enough for the equipment you want. This way he would have room for expansion.

 

I have a question based on his question. If you have a smaller display tank, which in theory would create a smaller bio load, do you have to do such a large water change? Or could you do a smaller percentage?

 

I've heard of many poeple, not me of course, 'cough, 'cough, that don't do scheduled WC's anymore, but tend to get around to it every now and then. Right barbinj?

 

I do more frequent and smaller water changes anyway. My original concern was having as large a return section in the sump as I could to help offset the evap that will occur. I am constantly adding rodi to my current system (20g tank divided into skim/return/'fuge for 36g bow dt) and want to have it a lot more user friendly for him.

 

Percentage should be the same regardless of tank size. But doing a 10% change on a 55 gallon is a lot less than a 10% on a 300 gallon