Should my reef tank have a sump?

[phyber]

I have a 25 gallon mixed reef tank (soft coral, LPS coral, clown fish) that has been up and running since February 2011.

I started off with intentions of just a FOWLR setup so I opted out of using a sump, but that has quickly changed, and now as I add more gadgets to the tank and fill it up more and more with pumps and the like.

Here is my tank:

I would like to avoid buying another stand, and buy a utility cabinet from Target, and use a 10 gallon tank I have sitting around. The 10g would sit on the lower level, maybe with the middle shelf removed for clearance. I believe I can also leave off the rear panel to help with ventilation. The cabinet would also house my Apex JR and various junk I have accumulated, and would be located to the left of the tank (where the fan is now)

Example of cabinet:

Example of how I imagine a simple, 2 chamber sump:

I will probably be swapping my AquaC Remora for some kind of cone skimmer (SWC, Reef Octopus), and putting my TLF Phosban 150 and 150w heater in the sump as well.

QUESTIONS:

1. Can I use flex pipe to connect from DT to sump, and sump to DT?

2. I like the CPR overflow box...is this a QUIET, well working product?

3. Would the inside of the cabinet be effected by the sump being inside? (ie humidity causeing warpage)

4. Would it even be worth it for me to do this?

 

[Todd_Sails]

Do ya think that cabinet would hold the weight of the tank for long?
1-3 yes,
4 not exactly, unless you know that cabinet will hold that tank, forever.

 

[phyber]

i'm estimating, that if a gallon of water is 8 lbs, and my sump will only be half full at most, that's 40 lbs. I believe it can hold it. I know that as far as dimensions go, it fits. The very bottom of the shelves is where it would sit. The brand I'm looking at is CabinetMaid.

I'm open to other ideas on where to go, but this seems the simplest and most economical.

 

[phyber]

early morning bump

 

[fishguy597]

Is that cabinet made of partical board. if it is I wouldn't even consider it with the moisture. I have a 75gal softy tank with no sump ,just a mag350 canister filter and the same skimmer .

 

[phyber]

thanks for the advice

I know that a sump isn't CRITICAL for a reef tank, but when i look on the forums and youtube, most everyone has one, even if they keep 'simple' soft corals. Plus, most soft corals like 'dirty' water anyway...

didn't know if there was another reason for adding a sump sans for hiding everything.

 

[Todd_Sails]

I thought you were putting the tank on that new stand? Just the sump in it though?

Usually those are some type of particle board, I dunno if I'd do it.

 

[n00311]

That stand looks like it is made out of mdf. If it is made out of mdf it will just absorb al the moisture and will fall apart.

 

[phyber]

i was intending on purchasing the cabinet, to place beside my current tank/stand. Inside the cabinet, would be the sump.

I can't put any kind of sump with my current stand...it's a simple Aqueon stand that came in a package with my tank. It's meant to be decorative, and has vertical storage under the tank...not enough for any sump.

For a $30 cabinet, i didnt expect it to be of super high quality...but what would be a good product alternative? looking for a simple cabinet that will enclose a sump and equipment.

 

[fishguy597]

go with a solid wood. mine is a mix of oak and ply wood. you could also build one just make sure you seal it with a good varnish. i put 3 coats on mine and glad i did.

 

[fishguy597]

sorry meant polyurethane not varnish