sump why?

ive had a 55g tank for around 6 months with no sump. i come from a freshwater fish tanks. so im use to haveing things hanging on the back. i just really dont understand a sump besides hiding eveything. hang on the back is a heater, hob skimmer, and a cannister filter. ive been reading threads here but still stupped. if anything id like to hide the skimmer. i have a 10g laying around doing nothing and was thinking bout useing that for starters. i know its not big enough from what ive read but it could be a learning experience for me. i had saw a nice 10g diy sup on utube but cant fine it. it was done by a teenager maybe. on my skimmer i have a filter on the intake that get dirty fast and ive seen pics with no filter on the pwrhead sucking the to the skimmer. i really havent had that many problems yet the way i have it set up so thats why im asking this question. i guess the way id set it up would be where the intake is is where id put my sump. then the micro bubble plates then fuge then empyting it to the return. my heater is to big for the ten gallon so im not concern about that. now my cannister is the question what to do with that? add it to the sump or leave it where it is. i have a fluval 305 with 3 trays divided by 2 and figure leave it the way it is 3 spots for carbon and 3 spots for ceramic tubes. now what would i put where the filter media goes is the question. thank you for reading this and your help. im sure ill have more questions later. til then watch your tank its fun.

 

I run my 20 gallon with no skimmer and no sumo/fuge, that being said the ten gallon would be perfect if thats what you have and can afford. I would look inti a 20 long and see if that would be a better option for ya, craigslist normally has them for a few bucks.

as far as what you want to do here is a good link to look into. http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

its long but has tons of great infomation and also some diffrent designs for ya to look at.

 

thank you.

 

can u use a sump as a pwrhead? meaning the return.

 

Yes, the return will add to your flow if that's what you mean. Just use a return line with adjustable outlet or PVC with an elbow to direct the flow in the desired direction.

 

nice i was hoping that.

 

Also the sumps increase your water volume meaning you can keep more fish, i know when people do sumps with freshwater this is the main reason why (and to hide heaters and such of coarse) this obviously doesnt mean you can keep 5 tangs in your tank (actually in a 55 you shouldnt even keep 1 IMHO unless you plan on upgrading before that tang is half grown) but you can have more smaller fish then you could without a sump because there is technically more water (if not more room)...at least this is what i read when i started up my 55 haha. i had a 10 gallon DIY sump, just added baffles to a 10 gal tank, if your stand has more room though do as big as you can (mine only fit a 10 gallon in its stupid divided stand). plus i like the sumps because i think it makes topping off and such a lot easier...and quiter because the pumps and skimmer are in your stand. heres a pic of what mine old sump looked like right after i set my tank up (yes i was wearing hello kitty pants in the reflection lol)