first timer

[alex061488]

i have had fresh water tanks all my life and soon i plan to set up a small reef tank but first i would like to know what a sump is this has me confused and i would like to know if u really need a calcium reactor, nitrate ect. if u have a small 30 gal tank

[Malenurse]

I recently got back into the hobby, so I've been studying the forum postings to find out what's new. I'd suggest you do the same before making any irreversible and expensive decisions about equipment and livestock that you'll regret later.

One thing that I've definitely found to be true is that there are numerous different tactics and strategies involved in reef keeping and to avoid advice from anyone who believes that they have figured it all out and know exactly what you should buy and exactly what you should do in maintaining your reef.

One trend I've noticed since I've returned to the hobby is "less technology and more biology" (John Tullock). Reefers seem to be spending more time researching what type of livestock they want to keep and then trying to recreate the best conditions for those. This does not necessarily mean going out and buying the brightest lights and the biggest skimmer and a bunch of expensive gadgets.

A book I would recommend is "Aquarium Corals" by Eric Borneman. Read and research all you can. This forum is a great place to do this.

Best of luck!

[schoch79]

To more directly answer your questions, a sump is basically just another tank/container that is connected to your main tank that is good for a few reasons.
1) More water volume/better water quality stability.
2) Good place to put your equipment so it is not in your display tank ie. heater, skimmer and the such.
3) Keeps the water level in the display tank steady because when the water evaporates you will lose it from the sump.
4) Easier to do water changes/top offs from the sump without disturbing the display tank much.

Also in my opinion a sump is not neccesary, nor are the different reactors. The sump will help tremendously though particularly in hiding the equipment and as long as you keep up with regular water changes, especially with smaller tanks, you will get most of your minerals and such from them. Hope this helps.

[alex061488]

thanks schoch79 for ur great help :)

[schoch79]

No problem. RC is a great place to find answers. I do what I can. Plenty of people here have helped me lots so now I'm just returning the favor.