New cube build (ATTN TRAC Members)

[Drewcrew73]

Let me start off by saying I've been in the hobby for about 5 years and have had several tanks.

I just inherited a 34 gallon solara cube. I'm debating on whether or not to run a sump. It has a section in the back for a small skimmer that came with it as well as sections for other filter media and a return. But I figured I could just and in a siphon to go down into a real sump. What are your guys thoughts? Obviously the stand I build for this tank would change if I add a sump plus it will also increase the equipment I must purchase. I have everything I need to get it running today of I choose to just use the overflow that it has built in now.

All feedback is much appreciated.

 

[Briney Dave]

Hey Drew, I don't think too many guys swing by this site but I will try my best to remember to and help you as I can

if you can drill out and put a gravity powered overflow on you would be ahead in terms of worrying about siphon breaks and power outages with the resulting power is back on, you are not home, but the siphon is broken

the larger the volume of the system the more stable it becomes and thus I highly recommend using an external sump if you can

converting part of that same sump into a refugium will also be of great benefit. I am not sure of your knowledge level so I will refrane from elaborating too much unless you would like me to

I hope I have helped and will gladly expand in the future if you like

 

[Drewcrew73]

The last tank I had was a 180 with a 75 sump, with a fuge. I remember i got the cheato from my first trac meeting I attended. I know exactly how to do it if I did decide to run a sump. I cross posted this just to talk to some familiar friends. Thanks for the input Dave. I hope all is well with you and yours.

 

[Briney Dave]

all is decent: lots of student projects going or waiting for money to go

if you can run the sump, I would but if you only use the built in filtration; that can be improved a great deal with frequent water changes

good to hear from you