Sump Or No

[sharko88]

Okay, I have a question to ask the masses. I have a 55 gallon NON Reef-ready tank. It has been up for over a year now. My current filtration is live rock (about 60-70 lbs), a Emperor 400 HOB filter, and a CPR Bak Pak 2 skimmer.

I am toying with the idea of converting a 20 gallon long to a sump with refugium. If I do so, I would be getting a Euro-Reef RS-80 skimmer. I do not want the hassel of converting my tank into a reef ready tank so I would have to use an overflow box. I have read that these can fail when the power goes out due to a loss of siphon. I want to avoid any flooding. I am looking for advice on whether to switch over to a sump and overflow box or stay with my current filtration methods? I am also looking for people to share their experiences with overflow box setups (good and bad).

 

[Andrew]

If you set up an overflow box correctly, you won't have to worry about it failing. The one thing many people forget is to put anti-syphon holes on their return line. I don't think I could set up a tank and not have a sump. They have many uses and I would also divide it up and put a fuge section in there. Check out Marc's Site for sump designs. (Melev)

 

[vanmo92]

I think a sump is well worth it. There always a risk with those overflow boxes, but I know plenty of people that use them with no problems.

 

[seapug]

U-tube overflow boxes are very reliable and properly designed ones will not lose siphon in a power outage. Lifereef and Amiracle both make good ones. There's no such thing as a gravity outage. Avoid the CPR overflows or any type that requires the use of a pump or extra equipment for them to work.

 

[tbar]

I used an over flow box for over a year with no problem. Didn't lose siphon when power went out but had to sometimes suck the bubble out of the U-tube cause the return pump was a little under powered. It would be best to have it drilled and cheaper also IMO.

 

[sharko88]

I know it would be cheaper, but it would be a huge headache since the tank is already up an has a deep sandbed.

 

[LexSkizzle]

Your tank looks great! What's your setup like as far as lighting, skimmer, sump, etc.?

 

[sharko88]

No sump. Filtration right now is Live Rock in the display, a Emperor 400 HOB filter, and a CPR Bak Pak 2 skimmer. My lights are 2 x 150W MH 10000K bulbs and 2x 39W T5 actinics.

 

[ahullsb]

Go with a sump. You will be glad you did. I agree with the above posted, lifereef...good. CPR...bad