this may sound really silly,but i really do not know what the sump is used for.i really do need to know the function of this device so i can get the maximum beifit out of my 125 gallon that i will be putting together soon.plese help.

It's another container connected to the main tank where one can put all the gadgets to avoid cluttering the main tank-- heater, ground probe, skimmer etc. Additives can also be added in the sump, water changes, kalk dosing. Some even have a refugium section in the sump.


Gia


Read this > Sumps 101 [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

A sump is exactly what the above stated uses are for. I personally can state that having a refugium in the sump is a tremendous benefit. By having a refugium and creating an environment more suitable for algae growth(caulerpa and such), algae is less likely to grow in the main tank. This worked wonders for me. Additionally, I was able to move my RemoraPro from the back of the main tank into the sump. Top-off and changes are performed with greater ease.

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Remember...Wherever you go...There you are.

matic626,

A sump also adds to the overall water volume of the system. It allows for surface skimming of the main tank, via an overflow box. (built-in or hang on)

Also some, like myself use a sump that is also an algae filter/refugium.

Visit my web page for some pictures of this kind of sump.

Regards,

Scott

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The definition of an expert is a washed-up drip under pressure.
You can see my reeftank at http://www.homestead.com/spasse/

You can also add LR/LS for added bacteria. Along with all the other good reasons stated above. Its worth it, go for it. [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

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Paul C
The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Einstein

Do any of you have pics of a hang-on sump w/plumbing? It has to me non-drilled. Just curious if there is some out there.

Ryan

Here are some pics of LifeReef's custom sumps/filters.
http://www.lifereef.com/custom.html

Ok guys you posted some helpful information here and this can be an elaborate topic, which interest me VERY much. My sump (Tidepool...which I DONT RECOMMEND, 12" biowheel) has a bio wheel, skimmer, float valve, and I want to make it a Refugium. Now I know that all sumps are different and vary but My sumps main design was to provide a Biological filter, and Does not have the room to do all the stuff that I "NOW" see that I want to do in my sump. I think what matic26 is really looking for is diagram of simple to larger more complex designs of sumps. Matic THIS IS NOT a silly question...Never feel intimidated to ask questions like this, the people that are answering had to ask these same questions when they started out too. Here is a design that I have found that may help you out http://www.angelfire.com/ok/dog1/sumps.html
I DO NOT recommend buying a sump, if you are a little handy you can use a 10-30 gallon tank w/ a few modifications that will serve many purposes and will be much cheaper and cost you less.....And the most important part is YOU will understand the concept and operation of your system...A refugium can be very helpful, so is Bio-Filtering, Skimming, Topoff, Additives etc etc.(and all these things can be incorporated into the sump). I will be building my own sump soon, but Im gonna drill my tank, and revamp my whole system but the more I learn about this Topic the more stuff I want to do to my sump...So im just trying to tell you that there is ALOT of things that you can do to a Sump....I think the best advice on a Sump is "Get room to expand" cuz there will always be a new design and you will say "man i wish i had room in my sump to put one of those in" Just my .02 cents....HTH....Man I hope this topic expands...Some interesting stuff!