I have been reading alot of post my ? is if you have LR ,LS why do you need a sump ? Just call me stupid I am still trying to learn about this hobby.

Welcome Somethingfishy, think of a sump as an extension of your tank. It is a great place to put a skimmer, filter pads, carbon, phosphate sponge,ect. This way they are out of your tank. It is not a nessity and a lot of people do not use them , it really is a matter of choice.

------------------
We as hobbyists need to respect the reef, educate and learn so that it will live on for all to enjoy.
bajathree
Come Dive Into
Baja Reef

Good info plus with a sump and overflows the water usually is near maxim oxygen content[ especially important when using sandbeds], plus the total volume of water is increased.

------------------
PapaDoug

In some situations people will say you don't need a sump. (Generally small tanks...) I like the added workspace outside of the tank to try stuff out. It gives you the benefits of a large surface area for gas exchange etc..., some skimmers are designed to sit in 4" to 6" of water and therefore require a sump. Also, if you want to experiment with any added plant filtration (mangrove...macro...) yada yada


------------------
-schrocat

"Whacha got in the box?"

thanks for the info , Like I said I am still trying to take everything in .[img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

A sump is also a great place to add supplements, do water changes, top off water etc.,etc.. The less you disturb the main tank, the better IMHO.

Sumps 101

Joaco

------------------
My webpage Updated 25th July 2000

Somethingfishy,

My sump is also an algae filter and mud bed “settling pond”.

As I avoid all forms of mechanical filtration, the mud bed in the bottom of the sump becomes a place where suspended detritus settles out. The mud bed is alive various worms, pods etc that process the detritus into lower energy forms that are then processed by the various bacteria in the mud.

Macro Algae growing in the sump removes ammonia from the system, and helps suppress nuisance algae by nutrient competition and biochemical supression.

Above mentioned benefits such as increase in tank volume, increased aeration, gas exchange etc. Also a handy place to add top off water, drip kalkwasser, and other supplements. Also because the water level tends to vary more in the sump, it is easier to control overall water volume in the system.

Regards,

Scott

------------------
The definition of an expert is a washed-up drip under pressure.

I would like to thank you's all for your input I am starting to understand more about a sump. AS far as the increase in gas circulation woudln't this be the same as a wet/dry filter ?

Somethingfishy,

Bio-media filters (bio balls, bio bale bio wheels) have fallen out of favor because their end product is nitrate, hence them being referred to as “nitrate factories”

Even their oxygenation benefits are suspect because when mature (loaded with nitrogen using bacteria) they may actually subtract oxygen. (bubbles do not necessarily = oxygen)

Protein skimmers add air, with out imposing a bacterial load. As does the drop form the main tank to the sump. I my system, I actually needed to add a bubble trap to keep the return pump from sucking air.

Regards,

Scott

------------------
The definition of an expert is a washed-up drip under pressure.

A sump is a great place to put all your equipment. Besides if you can get a decent sized on remember it increases your tank water size and allows for more margin of error and dillution
Chuck

------------------
This is the most addictive thing that i have ever come across as well as expensive

More then one benefited from this post and replies. I was debating on whether or not to incorporate a sump into the 125g fish only I am setting up but I think this pretty much made up my mind.
I was looking at cost of overflow $70, plumbing, sump itself, and $50 pump to return water but small price to pay to get all what you mentioned heh. I never had a sump in previous tanks but might as well with this one. I buildng my own stand (couldnt afford $450 at store lol) with some very lovely plans I got off internet. Mainly using one I got for a 135g reef at GARF. Since 135g is same as 125g cept 2" taller it would work fine. It has a special place for sump tank and equipment and all!


------------------
Cody...