Best non-sump filtration for a 90g FOWLR?

[Sythero]

Hey guys, so I'm thinking about upgrading my aquarium to a 90 gallon. Sadly I don't have the money or time to build a sump, I have no idea what filtration would be best without one. Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Thanks.

[bif24701]

LR, water movement, water changes, a GOOD HOB skimmer.

[Drae]

Aquaclear 110 hob filter with chemi-pure, live rock, hob skimmer, and water changes every 2 weeks. You're going to wish you had a sump tho.

[GimpyFin]

I'd say a good hob skimmer is a must. However, a sump doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. You can grab a glass tank from Petco when they have those $1/gallon deals going. Instant sump for cheap. The baffles in the sump are really only needed if you want some sort of refugium or to trap bubbles going from the skimmer going to the return pump (Which isn't much of an issue with a good skimmer.)

[Sythero]

Originally Posted by GimpyFin

I'd say a good hob skimmer is a must. However, a sump doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. You can grab a glass tank from Petco when they have those $1/gallon deals going.

Do you have an estimate on how much a Sump would cost in total? It would probably only be a 20g long.

[GimpyFin]

Originally Posted by Sythero

Do you have an estimate on how much a Sump would cost in total? It would probably only be a 20g long.

Not much really. If you spend the little extra on your 90G and get a pre-drilled tank w/ overflow, you won't have to get an overflow box if you do a sump.

The sump tank itself would be about $20-$30 during that petco sale, depending on what size you actually get. Add a filter sock holder for the drain for about $30-$40, and a return pump (Maybe an Eheim compact+ 2000 or 3000) for about $80-$90 and you've got pretty much what you need except for a skimmer, for about $150.

The skimmer is the expensive part, but you'll want one either way you go (Whether it's hang-on or in-sump.) Estimate between $200-$300 on one for a 90G tank. All said and done, the price difference between sump vs. non-sump will be relatively small. It does give you a nice place to hide all your filter equipment, gives you more water volume total, and gives you better flexibility for other add-ons down the road if you want.

[Mayberry]

I have a 75 gallon with LR, fish, and some corals. I use http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=21092 as my filter along with a HOB skimmer and a BRS GFO reactor. Tank has been up almost 9 months with no algae at all.