Sumps - a NECESSITY or a WANT

chmey

I’ve been doing a lot of research regarding sumps and FW tanks.
Currently I am thinking of adding a sump, but have yet to be convinced that they are necessary for a FW tank.

I pose 2 questions to the group:

1. Is a sump a NECESSITY or a WANT for a FW water tank
2. Is there a FW tank size, or stocking quantity, where you should use a sump over other options

I run a 55 gallon + Magnum 350 canister (micron filter only) + Emperor 280 HOB + 2 Korallia circulating at 1000 GPH + sand substrate + rock landscape + stocked with 6 cichlids.
No issues – tank is stable - I enjoy it.
Like any hobbyist, I am always looking at what’s best for the fish.

zof

There are two main benefits to a FW sump 1 is an increase in over all water volume and 2 is a greater area for filtration (mechanical and biological). So in reality there is only 1 main reason you would NEED a sump and thats if your tank is over stocked by a good amount.

Otherwise its just something people do because its an interesting concept and makes for a fun project.

BTW welcome to TFK