Do I need a sump?

[jmg416]

Just wondering how necessary a sump would be for me to add to my current setup, or just how much of a difference it would make.

I have a 75 gallon with 120lbs of live rock, an Octopus BH2000 HOB skimmer, an Emperor 400 filter running carbon and chemi-pure, and will be getting an MP40 shortly. My LFS was saying that if I want to keep my options open as to what types of corals I can keep, I would need to add a sump, which is what I was really hoping to get away without.

I would love to get some input for the experts who reside here. Thanks in advance for any input, and let me know if you have additional questions. Thanks.

[Sugar Magnolia]

No, you don't need a sump, but the added water volume gives you a little more wiggle room with your water quality. I've been sumpless for over 8 years with my 30g, and will be running my 40g sumpless as well.

[crouch36]

I'm sure more experienced reefers might provide enhanced responses for you, but IME a sump is an easy way to increase the volume of your system, while also having having the benefit of allowing you to hide your filtration systems, promote gas exchange, etc. Also, it gives you room to expand in case you wish to upgrade your equipment like your skimmer (I'm assuming this, in addition to the increased water volume, is what your LFS is talking about). With every bit of extra water in your system, you're increasing stability and your room for error.

So while it may not necessarily be "required," and I'm sure there are examples of ppl. that haven't used one, I would say you're doing yourself a great disservice by not having one (if you can).

[jbonez]

i have a 75gl mixed reef for almost 8 months with no sump. i have an aqua clear 110 h.o.b filter and a bermuda rogue wave hob skimmer and a few koralia for flow & im doing well . good luck bro..

[downreef]

You don't need one but as stated it does give more volume, and also a place to hide skimmer.

[0 tds]

I had a 75g with out a sump for a year so no you don't need one. However I now have (2) 90g tanks and I am using my 75g as the common sump and I must say that it is better with a sump. I also added a controler and that made a huge difference.

[Dustin1300]

My first tank did not have a sump and made the dt ugly with all the equipment showing. Once I had sump I could more easily top off and hides all the equipment! Once you have one you will never go without one.

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[wonslung]

"need" ? no.

But you should want one.

[jmg416]

How about an updated question:

Am I better off with my Emperor 400 or a sump that is only designed for up to 55 gallon? Just picked up an Aqueon Megaflow 1 with the plan of using it on a smaller tank, but thought it might be worthwhile even on my 75.

[plasmacon]

Without answering your second question, in my opinion, a sump has many more benefits than draw backs. One point I didn't see listed was that your DI water top off is confined to the sump, which keeps your display looking much better. A sump allows you to keep pests isolated until you can make arrangements, say for a maroon clown you didn't research and has terrorized your little dart fish etc. You can keep him in the sump until you find a home for him.

A sump allows you to aqua scape as you see fit, you can go a minimalist route and still keep all your rock in the sump for filtration. Other things that can go in the sump are a heater, ATO, protein skimmer, carbon filter, GFO filter, calcium reactor, refugium, and so on.

I built a custom stand for my most recent build, which allowed me to plan everything out. I love having a sump, it just makes things easier and cleaner.

[jmg416]

Thank you for the info. But still curious if I would be wasting my time with the undersized sump.

[cloak]

A tank with a sump can be mucked up just as fast as a tank without one IMO. It's all up to you...