A very basic question... (1 Viewer)

[CBBSteve]

What is the purpose of a sump? I've read Paletta, Fenner, and Tullock, but they don't mention why you would need one or what its for. My 29 seems to be doing just fine without a sump, what if I upgraded to a 72 or a 90?
Thanks,Steve

 

[jamesw]

It's a good place to put a skimmer, heater, etc. Otherwise you have to use hang-on stuff. The overflow to the sump also helps remove the oil sheen from the water and the sump adds extra water volume to your system.

HTH
James

 

[ShaneV]

Also keeps the water level in the display tank at the same level. As water evaporates you only see it in the sump.

 

[cparka23]

i like it because it helps hide equipment.. otherwise you'd need to hang everything off the back of the tank like jamesw mentioned. to do it that way, you'd also have to have an extra 4-6" between the tank and wall. that's not always possible for large tanks that already take up a lot of space, and hang on tank stuff would still be a little visible.

 

[Guest]

A sump adds water volume for stablity. It has inherant benefits like hidding equipment and the other features already mentioned. It can also be used as a refugium as many of us tend to do.

 

[CBBSteve]

so the next question is...

OK, so a sump gives you a convenient place to access and service your water. And I guess you could add more powerful filtration and skimming equipment. But this leads to another question:

How do you determine sump size? Is there a rule of thumb that most people use? I'm planning an upgrade to a 72g or a 90g next summer, so what size sump should I be considering?

Thanks for all your help.
Steve

 

[Guest]

Usually you want to get something that fits under your tank.

I think my sump for my 72 gallon was close to a 20-gallon, but size will all depend on what you are going to utilize the sump for, easy access, etc... For those size tanks, anywhere between 20 and 30 would probably do fine.