Sump or Not

[swordfish214]

Recently started 40 gal hex-roughly 60lbs of live rock-Coral-life compacts 50/50 and filtration by CPR 2+. My goal with this tank is different types of zoos-mushrooms-star polys-and maybe some brain corals. Some of my questions are is a sump required? What's the main purpose of a sump? Is it just it a added reservoir for placement of out of sight added equipment, protein skimmer- UV- mechanical and chemical filtration, etc. Same a refugium which is also a living biological device. I do believe that they do help in the health of the a reef and/or fish tank. But what if you do not have the room to operate these systems? Would like some thoughs and ideas

[Randall_James]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

if nothing else, a sump provides a place for heaters, topoffs, carbon and anything else that you rather not polute your display with.

are they required ? Absolutely not... but they are a nice option

[kaihonu82]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10547756#post10547756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by swordfish214
What's the main purpose of a sump? Is it just it a added reservoir for placement of out of sight added equipment, protein skimmer- UV- mechanical and chemical filtration, etc. Same a refugium which is also a living biological device.

yea, you pretty much answered your own question. It adds to the overall volume of water you have flowing through your tank, aids in filtration and yea, gets all the equipment out of your display tank. the point of a fish tank is to look at the fish and other living things you have, not your skimmer (although some might argue that there are living things in your skimmer as well) hah

[schoch79]

Not absolutely required but I would highly recommend one. Another good option if you don't have the space for one is to use a HOB filter on your tank and put, if big enough filter, your heater and a makeshift fuge in there. It would also help add to the flow in your tank.