Should I or shouldn't I?

So we are planning to upgrade from our 3 mo. old 37g to a 75 or larger nxt year. My question is, should we do a sump in our current setup or just wait it out until we upgrade nxt year? Thx! Also...I am a total nooblet when it comes to the sumps/refugiums but am handy enough that, I'd want to do it myself for sure to save on $. Thx again for any advice!

 

I would add in the sump not only for all the benefits, but also for the experience.

~Will.

 

Thx Ill. A bit of a bummer, but the stand is open underneath...I'll attach a pic.

 

Hmmm, my initial thought was don't bother with a sump now but then I looked at your stocking list. That seems like a lot in a 37g and getting a sump to increase your total water volume and possibly add some additional biologic filtratrion capacity is probably a good idea.

Alternatively, I would make the transition to a bigger tank NOW. Even if you don't have the money to make the full transition right away, you could transfer your current equipment to the bigger tank now. You could upgrade your skimmer, lights, etc... when finances permit. The caveat is that your present equipment won't allow you to stock a 75+ gal tank to full capacity. Depending on the dimensions of your new tank, you might have to keep your corals a little higher and centered under your current lights until you add the new lights.

 

i would wait. if things are going fine with ur current setup i wouldnt mess with it. 2 things you cant drill it (for obvious reasons) so that leaves only a hob overflow. and i doesnt look like you have enough room for that.

 

I would also wait. You may find you want to use your current 37g tank as your sump. So why saddle yourself with another tank? And also I agree with what was said above - you'd have to use a HOB overflow now, and you will probably want to have your 75g drilled. So, again, you will be wasting money IMO.

 

Ugh...the thing is, we are going to be doing a complete kitchen remodel. The new tank will be in the eat-in area of it. We have no room really for the new one, (also, wifey said no new tank until AFTER kitchen is finished), so I can't get one now. I'm thinking of finding a new home for the Clarkii, (our biggest fish), so that will help with the bio-load. This is a perfect example to not get a small tank to start when you have an obsessive personality like mine. I'm stuck I guess for now.

 

For the record: Your tank looks great!

 

Thx guys for all the info and input.

 

you can see my sump on my 75 g thread. I built it for less than 10 bucks.

You would still need to buy an overflow (cost me 70) and a return pump.

I would do it just to have something to do, haha. I like DIY projects.

All the other benefits were just gravy for me.