New Guy Needs Advice

[Jiddy]

For those of you who dont know me, im that annoying guy with all the questions, i have a 55g FW, never owned SW, on here trying to get the info, i just bought a 90g tank that i will use for SW once i know what the heck to buy for it, heres my question.... Everyone says a UGF is silly and dont use them, but they cost like $40, well they used to be great until people realized that sumps are better, well a sump is like $300 and since i need an overflow its another $100, so my question is, is the sump system really that much better?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Are you setting up a saltwater reef or fish only (FO) aquarium?
Liverock (or a deep sand bed) provides the biologocal filtration in a typical reef aquarium.

[Scuba Oz]

Yes a sump is worth it. Might as well set it up right the first time, plus a sump gives you a place to hide all the equipment. You could get a HOB skimmer and all but it gets pretty bad looking when you have a nice 90g tank

Do not need the UGF reguardless if you want to sump or not, your live rock and sand will be your boi-filter all you need is a good skimmer

[WaterKeeper]

Ji Jiddy,

Did anyone tell you this hobby was going to be cheap? :D

You can DIY a sump for well under $300. See Marc's site for details--Sumps (http://melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html)

You might also take a glance at The New Tank Thread (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848) for why to skip that UGF. ;)

[Stevan]

All you really need to start a sump is an overflow box (used is fine), a glass tank a return pump and some hose/valves/connectors.

Certainly not 300.00 unless you want it too.

[GL]

Get yourself a used tank and add some baffles. Go check out the selling forums and look for a used return pump and even an overflow box. You could even have someone drill your tank and skip the box, I have a box on my 90 and looking back I should have got it drilled. Just need some pvc, hoses and fittings. Should not cost $300.00.

[AJP]

Why not drill the tank yourself following the guidelines in this thread
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=444094
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=271539
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=534878&highlight=dremel

Also as stated so many times, a 29 gallon tank would make a nice sump, then just get some glass baffles cut and silicone them in. I think to drill the tank and get a sump put in you could do it under $100. And trust me, in the long run you will be so happy that you did it.

[banga13]

all I can say is that I was thinking the same thing. Sump is too much trouble and $. I have a 75 gal reef with a HOB skimmer, small power filter for water polishing , 2 heaters, three maxi-jets and it is a LOT of equipment to have in your tank. My rockwork hides some of it but it does take away from the beauty of the tank itself. If I could do it over again I'd have saved for the sump. Now I'd like to buy a sump and may need to replace or upgrade some of the equipment that I already own. $$$