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.

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?

[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..

[Wxguy23]

Thanks. Will my HOB skimmer help that much if I’m not the most religious at water changes?

[mcgyvr]

Originally Posted by Wxguy23

Thanks. Will my HOB skimmer help that much if I’m not the most religious at water changes?

Sure..
It will help some..

Depending on your nitrate levels you may want to look into some simple carbon dosing (fixed amount of distilled vinegar added to the tank to attempt to force higher bacterial populations to decrease nutrient levels)

[Wxguy23]

Thanks again.