teddybear22482

What is a "sump"? And will I need one when I start my SW tank? are they a necessity? Just seems so complicated....

Mike

Definitely not a stupid question.

A sump is another tank, usually smaller, set up to hide equipment, aid in nutrient export, and increase the amount of water. Sumps help keep the water parameters stable while hiding ugly equipment.

teddybear22482

AHHH...I get it now...are they necessary?

Mike

You can definitely setup a tank without a sump.

teddybear22482

Sweet...i was afraid I would need one and I have no clue how to set one up...kinda intimidated by them...lol

Miss Mouse

I know what you mean! All this new terminology to learn - better than being back at school tho isn;t it?! :

norcals14

Get a sump! either buy or build! there are soooo many tutorials, diagrams and articles on it and it helps like crazy!

10 reasons to add a sump/refugium:

Personal satisfaction in building something
Larger bioload
hides equipment
keeps water more stable
creates food for your critters
gives you another tank to aquascape and play with
extends maintenance intervals
makes an easy safe place to top off your tank
becomes an additional display tank
makes a low flow tank that can house sea horses and other sensitive livestock.

agsansoo

norcals14,
What size is your tank and sump/fuge ?