To sump or not to sump?

[MizTanks]

As most of you know I'm going to be setting up a 26g. Unfortunately I have major perfectionism issues.
I know the great benefits of having a sump. But for me I just really want to keep this tank as simple and easy as I can to maintain. I just feel that a sump is more work, more money and something else to be concerned about.
My question is this. Is it possible for me to keep a happy, healthy tank using 1 or 2 mag 350's?
I was thinking of using LR rubble + sponge sleeve in one and chaeto in the other. Since they are clear see through I would also be able to fix a light directly on the chaeto. It would also allow me to change and or add carbon, or chemipure if needed. I would definitely get good flow, using one at each end of the tank.
I've been considering this option for a while now. Mostly due to, finances available to me, ease of maintenance for when I move and the available space needed. I do have a 12g sump if wanted or needed in the future. I just don't want the prospect of me moving to keep me from setting up my tank. Not when I have filters that can be utilized now. Which is back to available funds.
Y'all give me some feed back, good or bad.



There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[schminksbro]

Personally I would go with a sump. This option allows much more flexibility in terms of filtration options such as protein skimmers, carbon reactors ect. It also give you a place to hide things such as heaters. You can keep a reef with canister filters but I think a sump is a better option for the above reasons. You can use a tank as small as a 10 gallon which cost very little and put in your own baffles.

[Sir Patrick]

I have to vote sump too- the little bit of extra attention is well worth it all the bonuses that come with it!!

[jimsflies]

I'll put my opinion in the ring too. While sumps have their place, on a small tank you can function without one. In the spirit of keeping it simple, skipping the sump is not a bad option. The upsides of sumps...increased water volume, being able to hide equipment easier, and flexibility to change equipment. The down sides, increased chance of creating a flood, louder operation, another piece of equipment...and nothing stoping you from adding more. I personally go a step further in the simplification and would skip the aquaclear with the rubble.

[MizTanks]

Forgive my ignorance Jim. You mentioned aquaclear? Not sure what that is
I hear and totally understand what you all are saying as to the benefits of a sump. I do have one. Yet I'd still have to buy an overflow box, lighting, plumbing, a pump and whatever else that would be needed to go into the sump for filtration. It's close to setting up another tank.
Basically I'm putting my available funds into lights, LR and sand. Not to mention some new corals that I'll now be able to keep
Thank you all for the input, hope you enjoy this build. I know I will! Wish me luck


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[rmalone]

You don't need to light your sump and in one that small I wouldn't even add baffles. Just use it as a place to stash a little skimmer and heaters. With the added benefit of 1/3 more water volume. I have never used an overflow box so I can't comment on their reliability. But I have run a tank w/no sump and a tank w/sump I will NEVER be sumpless again. As stated you'll spend a few more bucks and a little more setup hassel, but if it were mine I would sump it. I hate the look of heaters hanging in the display it makes the the tank look like a tank not a little slice of ocean.

[jimsflies]

The aquaclear is a hang on the back filter...I imagine it is the similar as you are talking about with a mag 350.

For small tanks, I like the back baffled area to hide heaters, media, etc. A second choice would be a hang on filter or refugium that I could also use to keep the heater, etc.

I don't think a simple sump would cost you that much to setup.

I've been enjoying not having a sump lately...less noise, less evaporation, less "stuff"....but I am on a minimalist kick right now too.

[MizTanks]

Dang it now I don't know what to do....


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[BK's Reef]

i would go with a sump, nothing will really be in the tank and the return pump will add some good flow to the tank.

[Sir Patrick]

There is always the HOB refugium w/ skimmer! Ease and conveniance of no sump, and the benefits, all wrapped into one! They can usually be found cheap used.