Add sump to 40g reef?

[Spkarim]

Hi,

I am on my first mixed reef tank about 3 months in. Things going OK so far, some algae on the dry rock, but can live with it and not too ugly. Phosphates and nitrates running high, usually around 0.1-0.2, and 20s respectively. pH has been about 8.2. Lost a few fish and coral, but mostly because of learning error on my part. Tank has mostly LPS and some SPS, 2 clowns, 1 royal gramma, 1 cardinal, 1 cherub angel.

Thinking about adding a sump to get more stability, grow Chaeto, etc. Hope to be able to grow acropora at some point.

Would adding maybe a 30g sump be potentially worth the cost and effort?
Or just live with things as they are, do extra water changes, let it ride and see what happens over the next year?

 

[Reef-junky]

First off it sounds like you added a lot of stuff very quickly to the tank which is going to give you problems. As far as adding a sump I would go as big as you can. Do you know if the glass on the tank is tempered? If you can drilling the tank is the way to go.

 

[Spkarim]

It’s an aqueon tank, don’t think it is tempered

Is drilling a tank a big deal?

 

[Reef-junky]

It’s an aqueous tank, don’t think it is tapered.

Is drilling a tank a big deal?

No not really a big deal to drill a tank. First check the tank to make sure you can drill it.

 

[Reef-junky]

Your going to want a bean animal or herbie over flow.

Herbie Overflow Plumbing Guide for Quiet Reef Aquariums - gmacreef

The Herbie method can quiet down your aquarium drain and eliminate microbubbles. The guide includes helpful diagrams and explains each component.

gmacreef.com