Starting a new Tank - advice requested

[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.