To Sump or not to Sump

[berics]

I just scored a 105 tall complete reef ready set up with corner overflows drilled sump, lights, everything needed for salt. Stand canopy the whole shebang. I am not going SALT I love my chiclids too much. I am going to upgrade my 55 into my new 105. The question is? Do I go with the sump set up or stay with canisters and HOB's

Any tips or insight will be greatly apprecieated.

Bryan

[biggin]

The sump is handy because you can hide everything and do not have to have anything in the tank. You get more options on filtration, you can always use your canister as well....

You get more water which is always a bonus....

I say go with a sump.... I did sump + canister.

[Jim2982]

I just upgraded my cichlids from a 90 to a 180 that came with a sump when I bought it. I had the same questions. I say go with the sump. You can hide your heaters in there and it really does a great job of keeping the water crystal clear. I got the sump up and running and kept my HOB's for about 3 weeks to let the bacterial colony keep filtering for my cichlids until the sump caught up.

Here's the thread with all my questions and the answers from everyone. I hope it helps. http://www.dfwfishbox.com/showthread.php?t=1201
And just so you know, even though the thread is titled "Heaters in a Sump", it covers a whole lot more.

[bra8ndy8]

Of course it does........you'll probably learn how to paint a house!!

[kewlkatdady]

the 105 is a TALL tank...
Either way (sump or canister) I'd suggest a well designed UGJ system to keep stuff moving around down low and a oxygenation system (bubble wand or a air stone).

A buddy of mine has a 105 full of big africans and they seemed to gasp alot until I suggested the bubble wall. That seemed to take care of their gasping issue.

after thinking about this for a few more minutes...

If you used the sump, the water fall affect will probably provide enough gas exchange to not have an issue. I'd try it with the sump and play it by ear.

Good luck.