To sump or not to sump

I have a 55g tank with a AquaClear 70 powerhead and two 700gph+ pumps. Tank is 4 weeks old and just finished cycling (ph, amonia, no2 and no3 are perfect).

I have two damsels in the tank and just added four turbo snails. They are feasting on brown algea

Long term plan is to have a community tank with coral.

So as tank continues to mature and before i start adding more fish, do I need to plan for adding a sump/refugium? Are a sump and refugium a must have? Seems like almost everyone has them. Can you run a successful tank without a sump/refugium?

Thanks.

 

Many people run successful tanks without them. But here are some benefits to having one:

More water volume
A place to house natural filters (macro algae/more live rock)
Room for more/better equipment (reactors/skimmer)

I run a sump/fuge combo, and will never do a tank without one.

 

I have been told that you can run one without. You may have to go to a canister filter. If you don't mind I will tag along on this because I have the same ?. I don't see why if filtration and water flow is so important why two hang on bio wheels 400gph is not ok. I know everyone is trying to hide everything but will you be just as successful? Good luck.

 

I ran a 55g reef non-drilled tank without a sump and was concerned about getting one eventually.

However, I just recently upgraded to a 70g cube and have a corner overflow and sump, I absolutely love it! I would recommend a sump 100%. You can hide everything in it, the overflow will keep your surface water pristine.

I would absolutely get one, you won't be dissapointed. Here are my old tank, new tank, & sump:

 

MoJoe,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

When you get a moment, would you mind taking a few more pics for me to help me understand?

1) Overflow from the main tank, how does it work
2) Where do the pipes from the sump connect to the main tank? Top? Bottom?

Thanks!

P.S. Awesome tank man! Luv the colors.

 

1) The overflow works as the water level rises from the return pump in your sump pushing water back into the main tank. The water level rises just above the overflow box edge, it overflows ;D, then it flows down the drain pipe into the sump and repeats the cycle.

2) You're going to have to run either pvc tubing or flexible tubing up and down from the main tank and make sure you fasten it to your stand in someway. I would incorporate a ball valve in the return line so you can adjust the flow of water going through the sump. You don't want your water rushing through there or else it won't be filtered properly. The tubing will connect towards the top of the tank.

IMO...there's too big of a risk of the siphon breaking and causing a flood if you use an overflow box. I had the same question about sumps when I was considering doing a 55gal, but I upgraded to a 90 that is predrilled. People on here did give advice about how to modify the overflow so that you can avoid the siphon breaking, but it's still a chance of happening. That's just my two cents though.

 

I had a Wal-Mart special 55G tank. Didn't expect to do much with it till I started getting into the hobby. Ended up getting a Eshopps External Overflow Box 300GPH. Used a 10G tank as a sump which housed an Eshopps PSK-75 In Sump Skimmer, Heater, Cheato, LR Rubble, CPR Refugium Light, and a MAG 5 Return Pump. Got a Current USA Sundial 48" 4x T-5's & Lunar LEDS... Ran like a champ till I overloaded the tank with corals and such.

I just recently upgraded to a TruVu 180G...

 

Quick question not trying to jack your forum. Does your overflow have to match your return pump GPH I mean.

 

yes sump! you will be happy you did.

 

It should be close...using ball valves to find the happy medium.