Question about my first setup (and sump)

[tomtom5280]

Please critique my first setup.

I plan to purchase a 10 gallon AIO.

I want to add another 10 gallon sump, mainly for the purpose of helping prevent big swings in water quality, less need for water changes, etc.

Can I just use the AIO setup in the display for all the filtration (it is designed to accomodate a sock and skimmer, from what I understand), and then add a bucket (rather than a true "sump") underneath, and then set up the typical overflow plumbing? (I was going to drill the tank)

Secondly, I was considering adding a refugeum to the bucket, but use the built in filtration of the AIO tank. I like the idea of a refugeum for the self sustaining aspect of the ecosystem (beneficial algae, pods, etc). If I understand correctly, there is some benefit to cycling the light on at night in a refugeum, and I assume that technique is not possible if I put the refugeum in the AIO tank.

I plan to mostly use soft coral, snails, crabs. No real desire for fish, but if they help contribute to the symbiosis of the system, then I'm okay with adding a clown or goby.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

I wouldn't overcomplicate your first build. A sump can be a helpful thing, but I'd bet that 99.9% of all 10 gallon AIO's just run the AIO filter section, and they do just fine

If you want larger water volume, get a larger AIO tank. If you really want a sump, get a tank that's already setup and drilled for one.

You can have a refugium in the back of your AIO, it can be lit with a separate light so that it runs opposite your tank's lights (meaning the 'fuge is on overnight). This helps to reduce carbon dioxide swings, which helps to keep pH stable, but again, this really isn't necessary for the vast majority of people keeping a 10 gallon AIO softie tank.

I would just rely on regular, partial water changes to help keep your tank healthy

Good luck!

 

[JTP424]

With the livestock/coral you are wanting to keep a 10 gallon AIO w/o sump should be feasible, and a little easier to handle!
Then when you get a handle on it, it's easier to upgrade to a larger tank than that :)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Honestly, with an AIO at the size you want. You don't really need a sump. I had a 20g AIO and never felt like I needed a sump.

 

[X-37B]

No need for a sump or fuge in that small of a system.
My 15 holds 9.5g's of water.
Floss, carbon, 2 part, and 20% WC once a month works well on this 8 month old system.

 

[JTP424]

*That's not to say you CAN'T have a sump with that.... in our experience/opinions you'll most likely have better/more success without.