Do you really need a sump for a FOWLR?

[LivinTheSwreefLife]

Getting back into the hobby after a hiatus. Thinking of going with a 40 gallon tank with no sump and keeping a pair of clowns and bunch of live rock. Nothing fancy. Do I really need a sump for this? Do I need a skimmer? I’ve only ever kept coral tanks before so don’t really know what you can get away with for FOWLR

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would argue that you don't even need a sump for a reef tank. No need for a sump or a skimmer in any case, its just nice to have.

 

[Mike7744]

Love my sump, extra water volume places for equipment keeps the display. Nice and clean better than a canister filter in my opinion.

 

[EricR]

I have 40 gallon soft coral tank -- no sump,,, no skimmer.
Been running over 4.5 years with no nutrient issues.
*corals actual might help though over FOWLR -- never tried that

 

[Gordo8]

I had a 55 Fowler for ten years with no sump or skimmer. Just weekly water changes.

 

[Terry Le]

40 gallons reef with no sump no skimmer