Wet/dry Filter Vs Sump

[lyotim88]

what's the difference and what would be better for a 55 galllon fowlr tank? thanks

 

[Colin_T]

Most trickle filters have a small sump section where the return pump lives. Whereas a true sump doesn't have the trickle filter section.
You can get trickle filters with big sumps, or add a trickle filter to a large sump. Then you get good filtration from the trickle filter, and the extra water volume from the sump.

Many people grow macro algae like Caulerpa in their sumps. The alga uses a lot of nutrients and helps keep the water cleaner for longer. You can also keep the heater, protein skimmer and other equipment in the sump, thus making the display tank look nicer and less cluttered.

Sumps add to the total water volume of the system and the more water you have, the better it is.