Sump Tank

Michael

So a sump tank is an auxillary tank where all of the filtering, skimming, etc. is performed so that the real tank is unobstructed by equipment? Is its main purpose aesthetic, or does it offer advantages to having the equipment directly in/on the main fish tank?

usmc121581

That is what it used for so you can keep out of the main tank as much as possible, when you start to get into reef systems everthing is so delicate in the main tank. My sump tank is just one big filter for the main tank.

Michael

Is drawing the water from the sump tank to the main tank complicated? What do you use? I really like the idea of keeping all of the ugly equipment out of the main tank! Is the water heated in the sump tank as well, or do you have a heating instrument in the main tank?

usmc121581

I have an overflow box that takes the water from the main tank into the sump. The water goes though everthing then is pumped back up with a 650gal/hr pond pump. The pipe is constructed out of 1/2" PVC. It's easy to do. I have a heater in there to put I rarely use it because my lights heat the water in the main tank between 74-78%. but its in there just in case

Michael

Is a sump tank common and do they sell equipment for doing it that would not require tinkering with PVC pipe and what not... that is, boxed sump tank kits or something, or if one wants a sump tank do you have to construct the components yourself?

usmc121581

Everyone I know has one, I'm almost for sure they do, I just found it cheaper todo it myself. No you can go and by them constructed already but they run some $. That's why most people build there own. All I bought was an overflow box. and a 20gal high tank. Its easier then you think.

Michael

Okay, thanks for the info. I think I'll hold off because I'm still new to all this and have only had my saltwater tank going for a month now. My next tank will be much larger than 55 gallons and I am going to go the sump tank route then!