Sump..Why is it so much better then filter?

So im running a canister xp2 currently on my 55g with a hang on aqua remora skimmer. Im switching over to a sump soon and have done some research. I understand the canisters are nitrate factories but what other benifits can i get from a sump?? how much does it actually help compared to a canister??

 

Start here. The article was written just for these questions.

http://http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

 

Oh man i think you opened up Pandora box for why sumps are better...

1. hidden filtration (you and those who see your tank will see what is meant to be seen, fish coral etc. not cords and pumps and tubes.

2. offers more water volume CRUCIAL in tank management and stability

3. offers a place to store macro algae and such to help improve tank quality (Technically this is a fuge but most sumps have some sort of fuge incorporated in it because of its tremendous affects to out tanks.

I'm sure there's more but those are the 3 that stick out to me

I think your going to find those who have been in this hobby longer than i have say that canister filters are a thing of the past in this hobby. No one uses them any longer because of better methodologies in reef keeping. Ive never ran one before so i cannot vouch for em' but from what i have read up on and heard. They're useless.

 

awesome thanks guys ill start on that link above.. Kinda what i was looking for.


then again maybe not.. link wont work lol

 

If my understanding is correct i can have a Refugium and a sump pretty much all in one correct? live rock and filtration in first chamber refugium in second and skimmer/return in 3rd.. ?

 

You got it. Here is a google sketchup of a sump that i plan on building for my tank. **Right click the image and select "View Image" to see it zoomed a tad.

 

well i drew up a layout of the sump im buying and drew up where i think everything should go.. seem rite?

 

I would swap the skimmer & LR . LR can go in your fuge too bud, just like your tank. that bubble trap is trapping the bubbles made by the skimmer. (in your current set up, micro bubbles set off by the skimmer would get sucked into your pump, and expelling it in your tank. Thats not wanted, at least i dont think you want bubbles in your tank.) lol leave the return pump where it is and youll be fine.

 

Good point so basically leave the carbon and fitler stuff in chamber one and add skimmer to it as well. 2nd chamber add the LR and leave 3rd chamber just RP

 

Sure, that would work. You could also put some small LR with the pump as well but i mean thats completely up to you. Also if you want move the carbon to the pump side, i dont think it will matter either way. but its completely up to you. But you have the gist of what needs to be done.