Sump Dummy - Sump Or No Sump For Me - Tropicals

[clivealive]

sump or no sump for tropicals ??

getting a new tank   , had same tank for 17 years.
lots of people mention sumps but whats best for me.
tank will be 60 x 18w x 22" ish high. cichlid tank.
moving from cichlid tank  48"  x 15" W x 18" h at mo with a fluval 405 with spray bar.
I am getting tank custom made  , whats are my for and againsts on sumps.
will a sump filter tank better?
is maintenance easier for sump or fluval.
Whats about connections for sump, no idea on that.
what are other/extra possibilities for using a sump

 

[Zante]

Pros:

• larger water volume
• hide all the equipment
• can set up a heavily planted refugium
• easier to make water changes

Cons:

• more expensive
• a bit techy to set up the plumbing

 
 

will a sump filter tank better?

 
Oh yes...
 
 

is maintenance easier for sump or fluval.

 
I find it easier on a sump, much easier.
 
 

Whats about connections for sump, no idea on that.

 
Don't worry, if you're getting it made, the people who are making it most probably will be able supply all the plumbing and explain how to plumb it. It kinda depends on how it is built.
 
 

what are other/extra possibilities for using a sump

 
As I said you can set up a refugium. Usually this is done with marine tanks, but I have tested it on freshwater and it works just as well. You can pack the refugium with plants, even ugly ones, or ones you don't want in your display, they will be in the system and acting as filters as we know, but they will be out of view.
Also if the refugium fills with algae... who cares! more nutrient export!

 
That means the sump will have to have its lighting obviously.
 
If you need to dose something in your tank, some medicine for example, or fertilizers, you can do it at the beginning of the sump. When the stuff you dosed will reach the display tank it will be already diluted and mixed with the sump water.
 
Water changes become easier. The dirty water can be taken from the display tank which is higher up (don't forget to switch off the return pump) and clean water poured in the sump which is lower down (don't forget to switch the return pump back on).
 
The water level in the display tank will stay stable with evaporation, as it will be regulated by the height of the weir. The water level will fall in the sump. If you want to keep water parameters stable (not usually an issue with freshwater, but still...) you can put an auto top up system with a float switch in the sump that will keep the sump water at the same level by pumping RO water from a reservoir that is usually hidden in the cabinet and regularly refilled.
 
 
 
Can you tell I'm a fan of sumps?