ok to put off sump?

[susz]

I have a nano salt water tank going now,and all is good. I am getting ready to set up a 75gal. reef tank. I am thinking about using my main investment money in lights, protien skimmer, live rock, so I was only going to use a hang on the back filter. I am at the crossroads were if I need to put in a sump I need to start re-figuring on what I need to puchase. I was thinking of getting this reef started and in 2- 5 years as I got more experience change to a sump later, if this a fatal mistake, please let me know. I have 1 1/2 years experiece with mushrooms, zooaids, and clownfish. Thanks , this is a great site, and I read your articles alot. My 75 gallon tank is glass and can not be drilled for a direct sump, it is 48*18*20 thanks

[weaselslucks]

I know where you are coming from i upgraded to a 75 because i found the tank at a tag sale for 40 buck and let me say I can't wait to put my sump in(getting it for christmas) i agree that you priorities are all lined up but i would suggest putting the skimmer in a sump. I have a HOB filter right now that is pouring out micro bubbles. I will not be drilling my tank either but just the eas of not haveing things hanging off the tank is worth it

[steven_dean17]

You could always use a small breeder tank as a sump. Everything will work the same and you don't have to spend but maybe 40-50 bucks extra.

[papagimp]

I'd say don't wait that long for a sump, for one, it'll probably entail draining and moving the tank to put the sump under it (sometimes anyways, my stand is built this way, others may not be) and finally, using a sump/refugium now instead of later can make or break the ease of keeping the tank running optimally. IMO just as important as a good skimmer or lighting but to each their own.

[Toddrtrex]

Yea, I would suggest trying to do the sump now. Do you have the 75 yet? And is it reef ready or are you going to have to get a HOB overflow box?

Making a sump is pretty easy, and actually not that expensive at all. I added a sump to my existing 75g, and while it wasn't all that hard, it sure would have been a lot easier to do it before the tank was set up.

[jar05g]

After reading this thread...I'm kind of interested in adding a sump. I have a 30 gallon now...and I have a 5 gallon tank lying around that would be perfect. Of course my tank is already set up and I can't drill...so how exactly would I add a sump to an existing tank? I know I would need to buy a pump. A PM with step-by-step instructions would be greatly appreciated :)

[Toddrtrex]

I am still in the process of writing something up about that (( including making the sump too )) but...

You will need an overflow box,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/OF1.jpg

and the sump,
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/10galsump.jpg

return pump,
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/10galsump2.jpg

Piping going back to tank (( and clip on fan to help with heat ))
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/P1010035.jpg

Return line is in the left hand corner -- white PVC
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/296_15.jpg

[jar05g]

Ok...that helps...at least I see what I'm getting into. And you didn't drill your tank correct? I also like your aquascaping. Is that a picture of your 29 gallon? Also, how are you keeping your sand so white?

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks.
That is correct, I didn't drill my tank.
The aquascaping is a little different now, but close to that, it is an older picture. And yes, that is my 29 gallon.

As for keeping the sand white -- use 0 TDS water, and I actually use a gravel vac when I do my weekly water changes. Most people don't do that, but since I am using a shallow sand bed, it doesn't hurt anything.

[jar05g]

That's so crazy...that's the exact size that I have...it was one of the kits from Wal-Mart. I was thinking of having two major rock forms bridged by a few others so it's kind of like a cave. We'll see. For water changes I'm using RO water that I get from my LFS. I think I just need to add an extra powerhead to keep everything clean.