Sump or Skimmer or Both !?!

[Grey Legion]

Ok I may use my 135 for a reef tank if so what filtration would be best ( I know about LR ) but what should I include a sump filtration system or a skimmer or both ?? what is the difference between the 2 and what are the pro's and con's of each..also just to add there is no way in H@ll that I am drilling my tank so would that limit my choice to a skimmer ??

also if Sump turn out to be the way to go for my needs any sites tellimg me how to make my own I don't want to sppent 100$ plus on a plastic box

if you feel that I need to add more info or would like to add anything you think is good please feel free to do so ..

 

[andywg]

A sump is just a second tank that (usually) sits below the display tank.

A skimmer is a filter to remove proteins from the water.

If you don't want to drill then you will have to use an overflow box to get the water down to the sump. While they in theory work nice, I have heard too many horror stories which is why I got my tank drilled - safer and easier. It's normally well cheap too, just to get someone else to do it.

Best tank to use for a sump is an old tank you have lying around. The real choice is what filtration to have (more LR, macroalgae, or even mangroves). Once you have decided that then people can help you decide how best to link it in.

For expert guidance on macro algae (through a mineral mud system) wait for Nav.

 

[Grey Legion]

Hmmm....

I guess I may have to look deeper into it I would like both a sump and a skimmer ( if possible ) but the idea of drilling the tank is scary, so I would look into another way to get water into the sump... more reading I guess

 

[Salt Freak]

Well actually drilling your tank is pretty safe unless it is tempered glass then that could be very bad.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi Grey....check out your local lfs. Someone there might be able to come over and drill out your tank and set up the connections for you to do your sump. It may not be so bad in price. The other option would be to get hold of a cheap ten gallon tank and practice on it. I believe the tool is called a dremel. I'd be afraid too ...to do a first time glass drill on my huge tank if I had never done it before. So don't feel bad. The other option if you wanted to scale down...some people add an AquaClear Filter on the back of a smaller tank and turn that into a refugium (granted smaller and not exactly the same as a sump). SH

 

[Grey Legion]

Ok so let me get this straight...drilling the tank means you do not need to add some sort of pump system to get the water to the sump ?? I guess it also means less stuff in the tank ??


hmm I am still in the research stage so I have time to figue out what I want to do...the biggest fact is my tanbk is 24" deep and I am a little worried about lighting and such...man every answer only leads to more questions..

 

[andywg]

Exactly.

You drill the tank and allow the water to fall down into the sump below. The pump is then used to get the water back from the sump to the main tank.

The other option is an overflow box. I'd describe it, but you'd probably be better doing a search as I'm sure someone has described it far simpler than I can.

You are right, one of the main advantages of a sump is being able to put things like skimmers and heaters etc. in the sump and out of sight.

24" isn't too bad. You should be able to keep pretty much all corals with 250W Metal Halides.

 

[Grey Legion]

Lighting is the issue I am dealing with in my other post

 

[superman]

Drill It!

I would come over and help you if I lived closer, all the stuff you need to drill it yourself can cost you about $100 (diamond core drill bit, drill guide, plumbers putty) assuming you already have a drill. Getting someone else to do it can be about the same price depending on if you have to take the tank to them or if they will come to you. I have heard way to many people say that if they could do it over again they would have there tank drilled. If you want to pay for my plane ticket I will come out and drill it for you...for free!

 

[Grey Legion]

yea I wish...there is a guy selling lights in the US and does not want to ship to Canada...if you want to drive up here I'll let you drill my tank and sleep over FOR FREE !!!