40B AIO vs 40B + Sump

[aiq25]

I'm not totally new to the hobby but I'm still a beginner, so I thought this forum would be appropriate to post in.

I'm debating whether to set up a 40B AIO tank or a 40B with a sump. I was planning on converting a 40B I bought into an AIO tank. I really like AIO design because all the equipment is self contained. But recently I learned my tank (made by Aqueon) has a non-tempered glass bottom. So I'm debating if I want to drill the tank and have a sump or no. I know there are lot of advantages to having a sump.

Any suggestions/advice?

 

[aiq25]

This whole is setup is mostly a experiment. I'm doing it to learn more about setting up tanks and woodworking (made a stand for it). I'm planning on upgrading in about a year and half to a custom tank (it will go into a corner of the house that has odd dimensions). In the meantime I want to set up this tank and see how it goes. It will host small size fishes and soft/LPS corals.

 

[leviburns89]

Well, like you said...
There are a lot of advantages to having a sump.

I wish I could have one, but I have tempered bottom, and backglass

 

[toothybugs]

For ease of access, the open view, the freedom of picking all your accessories, plus the extra water, I don't see any reason to not have a sump if you can.

 

[aiq25]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go with a sump. It will give the DT much cleaner look and allow me to customize a lot more.