Apologies I was at my first football game and got my first tackle.
Anyways,
I don't wanna rush in right away with a sump. I proposed it becuase I'm tired of the limitability with hob. And I want a fuge just under the tank. I am so so tired of hob. I'll visit those threads thank you for attaching them. Id say next on the list is tests, nitrates especially. I need to get more reagent for P04 Hanna and probably buy a nitrate Hanna. Issue is money is getting tighter due to school starting back up and my job is over so I can't work anymore. Thank you for writing this by the way. Could you just make a list of parts I need for a sump?
1. Overflow
2. Sump kit
3. Fuge light
4. Roller?
I don't want to sound like a naysayer or anything. But, I think you are putting the cart in front of the horse. Sure, a sump is nice. But...I would start by getting test kits and figuring out the algae issues first. Your HOB is fine for now, you don't need a sump, skimmer, etc to have a successful tank. I have NONE of those on my 40 breeder and NO algae in the tank, water is crystal clear. All my tank has is top MP-10s, a heater and a Tunze Comline in tank filter that takes water from under the water line and also from the surface, which keeps the surface water free of floating stuff, the occasional 'oily' look after I feed certain frozen foods. The tank has been running since December and is absolutely thriving. Equipment are tools that do not take the place of good husbandry.
Do I test parameters? Rarely
Do I do water changes? I've done two only because I had an algae bloom early on.
Do I dose? Yes, All-for-reef and Mag
I actually have to dose Ammonium to keep nitrates up since my live rock does such a good job and my corals suck it.
I keep Phosphate in check simply with daily feedings.
Bottom line, you don't need a bunch of 'stuff' to have a beautiful tank.
