Should I add a sump?

I have a 55 gallon with hob skimmer, and I was thinking of adding a sump with a refugium. If the hob doesnt work on the sump, I will just leave it on the tank. I been reading a sump is good for more water volume. Do people usually use a sump eventhough they use a hob skimmer on the DT?

 

Yes, extra volume of water means more stable conditions. Plus other added to put heaters, probes, ect

 

a sump is generally a good idea,

good things about a refu/sump:

adds water volume and water stability
allows a place to hide your equipment from the DT
allows a place for copepods and other foods to grow and have a stable food population for your DT critters
allows a place for controlled macro algae growth for nutrient export
allows a place to throw unwanted critters
allows a place to add additives avoiding to add them directly to your DT

bad things about refu/sumps:

space
esthetics (note that if done really well it can actually look very cool and can be used as a mini DT)
noise
cost
plumbing (can be a real nightmare if you dont plan well ahead)
if not done correctly can cause flooding.

if you are planning to refu/sump go as big as you can it should be at least 20% water volume of your DT to have a real good effect

goodluck!!!

 

+1

There are pros and cons to running a sump.

Question: How old is your tank, and are you having issues? The old addage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies well with SW aquariums. Far too many times I've read where someone tried to upgrade their tank, including adding a sump, and it caused more problems than it solved, including loss of livestock.

While a sump can be a nice addition, it is not a necessity.

 

A 55 with a HOB skimmer? What else eo you have for flow/filtration?

I started with my HOB skimmer put in my sump. Then I upgraded to a SC150.

My sump is all DIY- it's in my short DT vid in my sig.

 

If you set it up correctly the pros will far outweigh the cons.
Once you start using a sump it will hard to imagine having an aquarium without one. There are lots of advantages, as others have pointed out. I think the HOB will be fine as long as it can handle the bio load.

Good luck with your project,
Don
www.HealthyTanks.com

 

1.5 months old, 70 lbs of LR, 40 lbs live sand, 2 koralia evo 1050, eshopps psk100h, two cown oscellaris

 

I was thinking of doing a DIY 10 gallon sump since thats what tank can only fit in my stand..is that to small with a 55 gallon?

 

well personally I think its a little tight but should just pass, if you have no other choice and really want a sump then go for it.

 

I used a 10g tank for my sump with a HOB skimmer on the DT and a 7g rubbermade for my fuge for a couple years that worked well.