still deciding...

hey gang,
So, I'm getting frustrated with trying to figure out whether to use my Emporer 400 along with a hob skimmer or build a little sump under my 46 gal. and put a skimmer in there..What's the general concensus here? Is one really better than another? There seems to be so many opinions...
Thanks as always.
Matt

 

a sump is always goin to be better than a hob filter. more water volume = better
do the sump, you will be happy you did

 

HOB worked fine for me, but sump iz nice!

 

i dont care for HOB skimmers myself, too many complaints about micro bubbles in the DT so I vote for a 20L sump and fuge under the 46 bow.

 

I believe skimmers placed in the sump are more efficient as the return agitates the water makes more organic material available to the skimmer, plus sumps are better IMO, more water, more oxygenation and more available filter methods.

 

sump it, and forget it.

more water volume the better.. you'll go from 46g to 55-65g total volume with a nice size sump..

 

Tagging along with the rest of the guys and gals here. USE A SUMP you will be happy you did.

 

Devils advocate here....don't know much about an "emperor, blah, blah" but I do have a CPR HOB on my 55g frag. If I had no other choice, well I guess it would be that kinda HOB. The skimmer is actually the best skimmer, if only they made it in a large in sump style.
Anyway, if you have the room, always go with the sump!! For obvious reasons as those already stated.

 

Thanks so much folks! Looks like I have my answer. So, can I get a glass aquarium at Walmart and make one? Can I put the skimmer in there and hook up an overflow or do I need more things in the sump?
Thanks again!

Matt

 

I would suggest this thread for basic reading.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html
you can see various sump designs at Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

and see mine at the bottom of my build thread in my sig file

My tank build
My Indestructable Tank Stand
bill