Starting a new Tank - advice requested

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

Without a sump you will most likely need a HOB skimmer. These skimmers increase the chance of flooding more than any sump would.

I run an HOB skimmer on my 20 and have never had that happen. Interesting. Have you had that happen?

I have not even heard of that happening??? How??

[mark]

before the current tank had a sumpless 75g and the most annoying thing was the lack of sump when I was traveling as I could only go a few days then I was worrying about pumps pushing air due evaporation. Once the sump had more lee way (and now with a ATO no worries at all).

Properly done there's issues having a sump.

[Leah]

Why even use a filter...I removed mine and have never been happier.

[trilinearmipmap]

I would suggest do it right the first time, get a sump, get some advice re setting up the sump dimensions and overflow properly and there is no chance of water overflowing the sump or tank. If you go canister you will have elevated nitrates and you will get rid of it sooner or later. I also suggest getting as much used equipment as you can as you will save $$$$.

[intarsiabox]

If you're worried about overflows in the sump you can always get a PVC check valve for your return line. This will prevent any back flows in the event of a power outage or just turning off the pump. Of course you can just measure how much water could siphon back into your sump and just make sure you have enough space in the sump to accomodate. BTW L"xW"xH"/231=gallons. I don't run a canister filter but I do use an Aquaclear filter with a sponge, carbon and Chemipur Elite in it. I wash out the sponge every week and it takes out a lot of particulates that the skimmer and LR don't take care of. I have no nitrates or any nuisance algae but I also have way too much live rock in the tank as well and have never missed a water change. A canister is more work to clean and if not cleaned very often nitrates can build up from the captured organic material as it is still in the water column until removed manually. Reactors may also be something to look at for carbon, etc.

[mark]

I'd trust a properly sized sump and a return line positioned to minimize back flow or siphoning before a check valve that might not seat.

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by mark

I'd trust a properly sized sump and a return line positioned to minimize back flow or siphoning before a check valve that might not seat.

I do both, but I'm paranoid!

[tgoeujon]

ive always found the best way to avoid an overflow is to avoid hob skimmers, coralife to be specific lol. Really though i avoided the sump thing for the first couple years but once i finally went for it my life got so much easier, less water fluctuation (chemistry, temperature). it also gets rid of some mess from constantly topping up the display tank. and if you want a more open display tank you can store liverock in the sump.

[bignose]

Paddy go with a sump it is so much better you have extra water volume and space to work with equipment. Build a large return chamber to deal with evaporation and if you want add a ATO. If you plan properly your sump won't overflow.

[Red Fish Blue Fish]

Sump Canister filters (IMO) are not very efficient for saltwater. A good wet/dry or sump is better and cheaper in the long run. Canisters have a slow flow rate and calcium deposits destroy the impellers as they are not really made for saltwater or they would make a salt and freshwater canister. For saltwater you would need better seals. Again just my opinion