Sump needed for Fish only?

[305rob305]

So during my High School years and early 20's I had a reef tank but I retired. Now with 4 kids at home and no pets I decided to go out and get in the game again. Lol. Here I am with a 60g saltwater Fish Only with inserts (I have no time to go with live corals but I never say I never will [emoji6]).

So, I bought an Aqua Clear 110g HOB. Nice filter but I have two issues. One, even though I see the water clear looking at the front, you can still see some cloudy hazy water on the sides (not as clear as my local aquarium store's reef tanks). Two, I have the stupid known issue that media basket of the filter rises and does not stay put. This is a known issue with this filter if you go online. It's a brand new tank so it's not dirty (it shouldn't rise up).

Now I want to probably purchase a sump w/overflow and obviously add a skimmer. My first choice would be a refugium style even though I will not use it for that just in case in the future I want to go full blown reef tank. Back in my days I had a wet/dry but I hear refugium is the way to go for reef tanks.

Will you guys have the heart and give me some advise if I decide to go with a sump what should I put on it? Remember for now is a Fish Only with insert corals and have like 6 fish... My tank only has 2 weeks

Thanks!

 

[EriksOasis]

Looks awesome a sump isn’t necessary but will add water volume and help keep things more stable and clean. The aquaclear works great for filtration make sure the basket is clicked into place there is notches that should hold in place I’ve never had an issue with the basket not staying in place. Maybe put something on top of it to hold it down if all else fails.

 

[305rob305]

Looks awesome a sump isn’t necessary but will add water volume and help keep things more stable and clean. The aquaclear works great for filtration make sure the basket is clicked into place there is notches that should hold in place I’ve never had an issue with the basket not staying in place. Maybe put something on top of it to hold it down if all else fails.

Thanks Erik, I'll have to look carefully at the media basket and see if I can fix the issue

 

[Luna]

Where did you buy the decorations I was thinking of doing that with minimal coral (softies,zoas)[emoji1303]

 

[Dsnakes]

What fish do you have? A sump is always a nice benifit to hide equipment and stability. It does look good though!

 

[305rob305]

Where did you buy the decorations I was thinking of doing that with minimal coral (softies,zoas)[emoji1303]

Are you ready for it? Petsmart! Not bad at all... There's this other place online that make them but are super expensive

 

[305rob305]

What fish do you have? A sump is always a nice benifit to hide equipment and stability. It does look good though!

Tank is only 2 weeks old. I just got one damselfish that I bought yesterday... He's doing fine. Eventually I want to get 4-6 more... The usual a clown, blue tang, yellow tang and something else.

 

[Dsnakes]

Tank is only 2 weeks old. I just got one damselfish that I bought yesterday... He's doing fine. Eventually I want to get 4-6 more... The usual a clown, blue tang, yellow tang and something else.

Depending on bioload and maintenance, you should be fine with the HOB. I like the aqua clears. The tangs may not be a good fit for a tank that size though, the clowns will be fine. Tangs need a bit more space for swimming when full grown.

 

[Instigate]

You might have some bubbles accumulating under the filter media basket. I've had that happen before.

 

[Luna]

Are you ready for it? Petsmart! Not bad at all... There's this other place online that make them but are super expensive

Ya I seen online stuff & ya expensive. Cool tank, good luck.

 

[ca1ore]

The real benefit from a sump has nothing to do with the actual sump, rather the way in which water is removed to the sump, namely the surface skimming overflow. While there may be other ways to effect surface skimming, a good overflow is by far the most practical. I'd not run a salt water tank without one.