New 90 Gallon Tank

[Dreamer03]

I am new to saltwater fish, should I get a sump or would the tank be ok with no sump? I want a fish only tank.

 

[Donya]

Sumps aren't mandatory but having one is always preferable if the floor/stand/etc. will hold it and the tank can be drilled (or if you are willing to do an overflow for tanks that aren't/can't be drilled). Sumps increase stability and the tank's stocking capacity, which is important for systems where fish are the main focus unless you plan to stock lightly. For example, if you are wanting to do something like a predator tank with messy eaters, a sump would really be a good idea.

 

[Dreamer03]

I am planning on stocking lightly. No predators.  But I will get a sump if really needed. Just wanted to see if it was fine to go without one.

 

[Donya]

Sumpless is possible; for example, I don't have sumps on any of my tanks, although the biggest I have is a 55gal. The main issue is that if your tank isn't drilled and you want a sump later on, then you'd be limited to siphon-based overflows which can be a little trickier to deal with. On the other hand, if your tank can't be drilled because of the type of glass (my 55 had big "do not drill!" stickers all over it) then it makes no difference whether you sump it now or later since the only option is an overflow. If you go sumpless, make sure you leave plenty of room behind the tank so you can fit a skimmer, as some of them are quite bulky.

 

[morgansaul]

more water = more stable with reef tanks. personally i never ran a sump and i had lots of ups and downs in my reef tank once i added a sump it settled out nicely and i haven't had a hiccup since initial cycle of the sump.

 

[Dreamer03]

I will probably go with sump then. Thanks!!!