Need Advice: Sump

Hello, I am going to be starting a 40g reef aquarium, I had orignally planned to not use a sump, is this a foolish idea? Advantages to having a sump?

 

If you have the space, I would get a sump. These are the pros that I can think of;

1. You add to the vol of the whole system.
2. You can place other pieces of equipment( skimmer, pumps, coil denitrator, air pump, etc...etc) in it. That way the tank is much more appealing to look at.
3. You oxygenate(sp) the system better than without one.
4. It also helps to filtrate the system by placing carbon, phos media or filter socks.
5. If temp is a problem, you can place a fan hitting the water and it will cool down the tank.

Luna

 

Thanks for the reply! I already have a hang-on Aqua C Remora protein skimmer (up to 65g)

I understand its easier to work with a larger volume of water but could my tank be successful with my protein skimmer and maybe a DIY carbon reactor?

 

You can, I just dont like running without one. It also depends on what your planning to keep in your tank. Luna

 

Thanks again for the reply Luna, very much appreciated. It is my first salt water aquarium so it will be somewhat basic, common algae control crew, and I was thinking of bangai cardinal as a good starter fish. The fellow at the saltwater fish store said that they are good hardy fish to start off with. I like these http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/images/fridmani.jpg dottybacks (orchid?) as well.

 

Should I make a list of the equipment I have already?

 

I dont see why not. You should start a tank thread of your tank(with pics) so you can see your progress and achievements. I know that I wish I started one way back when. Luna

 

Hagen Glo T5 HO Lighting System - Double - 36" (x2)

Actinic Giesemann T5 HO Fluorescent Bulbs (x2)
Midday Giesemann T5 HO Fluorescent Bulbs (x2)

Aqua C Remora Hang-On Protein Skimmer /w Maxi Jet 1200

Hydor Koralia - 2 Water Pump (600 GPH) (x2)

Jager 125 Watt Aquarium Heater (Eheim)

40g Glass Aquarium

 

Thanks, ill take your advice on starting that thread.