Yes or No on Sump?

[26Heavy]

Hello, I am new to reefing and have an opportunity to use a really nice rimless 60 gallon cube for my first setup. This aquarium was originally going to be for a planted freshwater setup so it does not have any holes drilled for plumbing. My original plan was to hang a heater and protein skimmer and then put a canister filter down below. No I am wandering if I would be better off going with a small cube sump with a hang on overflow.

I would appreciate any feedback on which way might be better.

Thanks

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Bump

 

[Solo McReefer]

 

[619R]

I’m new myself. Maybe 6-7 months in. I’m running a FX6 on a 55 gal tall. If you like to learn and trouble solve and you have the time to pay attention to it (likely the same either way), a canister is doable. So far at least.

But being this far in and finally getting some good maturity on my rocks I’m hoping it gets a little easier.

What I’ve found that makes a canister harder is that you get left over food built up in the canister which messes with your parameters and can’t be cleaned out without draining and emptying the canister. Same goes for adding anything to help battle ammonia, phosphates, etc. all goes in the canister. And it’s not as easy to get into as a sump. Plain and simple.

Also to note. To get enough filtration for saltwater you’re supposed to use 10x the filtration. But with that kind of flow output, that’s another thing you’ll have to find a way to counter or use to your advantage.

Luckily the wife has taken a liking to the corals so she’ wants to go bigger. With sump.

 

[JonoH]

If you dont have a sump...where do you hide things like heaters, dosing pump hoses, fuge, filter socks/roller mats etc.
I get it, you can do it without it, but a sump is a lot more simple than what you think.

 

[FUNGI]

3 FX6, HOB skimmer

 

[FUNGI]

One FX6, HOB Skimmer

 

[Uncle99]

I’m a bit nervous with hang on stuff as it runs outside of the system. In the event failure in anything “hanging outside” your system in terms of leakage, may end up on your floor.

In contrast, keeping all pumps inside a sump means if they leak, water a never leaves.

So if any pump, especially the return pump, fails (stops) other pumps would keep water’s oxygenated enough to keep fish alive.

Any way you can have that drilled?
If not, the hanging overflow does work, just keep an eye on it.

Good luck.

 

[619R]

If you dont have a sump...where do you hide things like heaters, dosing pump hoses, fuge, filter socks/roller mats etc.
I get it, you can do it without it, but a sump is a lot more simple than what you think.

Oh exactly, there isn’t much hiding going on. One fx6 is a handful with a bad back. I can’t imagine multiple like these other pros. I’m definitely looking forward to a sump in my future.