To Sump Or Not To Sump

[Johnny Reefer]

Ya....definitely get it drilled now when you have the chance.
When I got my drilled 180, my 135 Reef tank became an FOWLR. I shoulda got the 135 drilled then 'cause the HOB skimmer I have on there is a POS. Eventually it's gonna need a sump with a bigger skimmer in there. Have 4 Triggers in there and so far it's been okay. Been up and running for 4 months. the Triggers are still juvies and Nitrates are holding at 10 ppm, but that ain't gonna last I reckon.
I've made this mistake (not drilling when chance was there) twice, now.
Oh well, the wallet was only so thick at the time and still have yet to get a decent skimmer on the 180. All in due time, I suppose.
But I digress.
Ya. Get it drilled.

Cheers,

[Palster]

Thanks to everyone for responding. Being relatively new to saltwater fish keeping I never considered the nitrates issue with running these filters on a tank with messy eating fish. I will definately go with a sump. I currently am running a sump on my 90 gallon tank (I am going to basically copy the design). The only questions I have in regards to the sump are is it beneficial to run Bio Balls and or sponge filter media in the sump? The sump that I currently have does have both.

[Ruth]

IME none at all except to collect additional nitrates. I used to have sponges in both sumps and once again they tend to be places that nitrates just love to collect and grow. Bio balls can be tricky. I have heard a few people recommend them for FOWLR systems but as I don't have one of those I am not really sure of the benefit of them. Regardless I believe that the best biological filtration is going to come from having lots of live rock - period. I do have miracle mud in my fuge on my 230g but to be honest I am not sure of the benefit of it (other than that claimed by the manufacturer). My other fuge is just live rock and chaeto.

[tranvictor]

Personally I would go with an above tank fuge with a skimmer. It worked for my 90 gal, grouper, trigger, snapper tank. Plus the little copopods that grew in there, fell down into the main tank to feed the damsels, which I would throw in for "sport" for my aggressive fish. The only downside is you'll have to build a tall stand to hide the fuge and skimmer.

Vic

[smellsfishy]

sump, sump ,sump it it is way more convienient and expandable later. drill now you can always not use them but i garranty you will never go back.