Dump for a Sump?

[Wxguy23]

I’ve got a 75gal FOWLR and an anemone. Been running for almost 2 years.
2 marine land 300s and a UV sterilizer.
Couple of clowns, yellow tang, 2 gamas and 4 tiny chromis and CUC.
Tank is clear and decent but have let my nitrates get too high. Did a 80% water change over the course of a week. All is well now.

I’ve thought about a sump, but not sure what the heck to get.

So I’ve been looking and reading. Not sure of the option of drilling in my glass...so I looked at overflow boxes.

Then kits...etc. While I’ve said I’m “frugal” I am concerned at the cost. Initially I got in to this knowing there is cost. But I’m concerned as to what I want to spend to achieve what I want. Just got lights and all for almost $300.

My guesstimate is an additional $5-700 to get all I need on the lower end to add very little.

But, Here’s my goal.

Have some cool fish. (Which I have had for almost 2 years).
Have a couple large anenomes (I’ve had for 8 mos). for my clowns to play in. I have one who seems to be struggling, bleached, but alive with a tiny little brother next to it. I feed it and just bought two 165w LEDs. Not sure how it’s responding as it is open, but tucked away and not hungry.

I don’t want a bunch of corals. But have considered islanding some Xenia and green stars. I like movement. But nothing else now due to fear.

Now....I don’t have an RODI system, I use prime and my water has been tested to be decent, but with silica, that I treat with bags of phosguard.
I also run two bags of Purigen..(sp).

I just bought a Oct BH1000 to HOB to maybe help. In box now.

I don’t do water changes enough I’m sure. Maybe every few weeks. Might be hurting myself there. But my water has been testing fine. And I have very little algae, a diatom bloom every blue moon and my clearity looks good. To me at least.

I don’t mind the clutter in the back because all the black looks sleek, but sure it could all look better.

For what I have and what I only want to achieve, what would you do?

[Wxguy23]

It sue how this posted twice. Can delete.

[mcgyvr]

IMO it sounds like you intend to keep your bioload small so I wouldn't put any money into adding a sump..
Its just not needed for your plans/needs/concerns/tastes,etc...

One can 100% be successful without a sump.. It really just gives you a place to hide equipment and increase water volume some..
Sounds like you are doing just fine as is..

[ReefsandGeeks]

+1, I went sumpless for years untill my most recent tank. After having a sump, I've decided I do like it for hiding equipment, but is not so much better that I feel I couldn't go back. I only think it may be worht it if you have alot of demanding coral, and want to be able to automate more of your maintanance without having a bunch of tubes and wires going into the display. i only have a sump now because I bought a used tank that was drilled and had one. When I bought my tank, I wasn't even considering sumpless due to everything I read online about how nice they are, but after having it I'm not quite as impressed as I thought I'd be. Given the choice, I'd still choose a sump but wouldn't spend alot of money to get one.

Maybe look at used tank setups if you'd like to go the sump route? I got a 150 gallon tank with sump and other goodies for less than you'd have to pay to convert your 75. Just a thought if you're looking to spend the money you may be able to get a tank upgrade out of it as well for no extra money. Plus I just sold my old tank and made half of my money back.

[OldReefGuy]

+1. I still dont have a sump (however, considering it now but only to hide the equipment). I used to have the Marineland 300's also, they create impressive water movement.

[Wxguy23]

Thanks!

[asudavew]

Sump. No external overflow (loud and a PITA), Drill your tank in place and silicone in a coast 2 coast overflow. (or start a new one)
BeanOverflow is your friend.
Sump and skimmer.
Why are your nitrates high? Not much live rock?