Sump vs Filter

[Frank_Farmakis]

Hello, i was wondering what is the difference between having a sump vs an ordinary store bought filter...and what are the advantages and disadvantages

[scubadude]

Hi Frank,
I think your question needs to be clarified first. Be more specific ...for example: do you mean sump vs filter same as biowheel vs skimmer? If so then you will find that most believe a skimmer has much better advantages and that a biowheel or bioballs can become a nitrate factory over time. You can still have a sump and have a filter (biofilter or biowheel) in the sump, and you can also have a skimmer w/out a sump....so your question may be confusing to some.

[okcalla]

ill tell you a sump will typically offer you more flexability and ease of cleaning i wish i would have gone with a sump rather than my fx5. Don't get me wrong the fx5 is a great filter however im forced more or less to do a water change every time i want to change an element in the canister ie. floss, carbon etc. as well a sump will allow the addition of skimmers bioballs and additives below the tank where they can be concealed rather than hanging over the back and down into the display tank. hope that helps some.