Good Quality Sumps for Saltwater Aquariums

An aquarium sump houses part of the aquarium's automated systems in a backup tank or similar container. Sumps can be directly attached to the main aquarium or connected through a series of hoses. They may be visible, behind or below the actual aquarium. Part of the benefit of a sump is to increase the aesthetic value of the tank, so many aquarium owners try to conceal the sump as much as possible.

  1. Size

    • The best sump for an aquarium set-up is of the correct size to support the aquarium. A small sump can prevent easy expansion of the tank's equipment, as there is no space to add additional devices, and is difficult to service. In general, using the largest sump possible for the aquarium's setup is the best choice. Online calculators, including one provided by Reef Central, calculate a recommended sump size based on your aquarium's dimensions.

    Contents

    • The best devices to include in a good sump setup depend on the aquarium's needs. A surface skimmer, which cleans debris from the water, is a basic part of a sump's systems. Other common sump devices include heaters, probes and filters. The addition of a refugium, a section of the sump devoted to growing macroalgae, can help control algae growth in the aquarium. Macroalgae are plants that consume nitrates from the water, which stifles the growth of algae in the actual aquarium.

    Material and Shape

    • Sumps are often a separate, smaller aquarium or fish tank, but they can be any type of container that holds enough water to support the aquarium's automated systems. Sumps are often made of glass, acrylic or plastic. The sump's shape is not as important as its volume and accessible surface area. If possible, the sump should be wide enough to allow all of the devices to rest separately, so each can be serviced without disturbing the others.

    Connections

    • For the connections and hoses between the aquarium and the sump to work properly, the sump should be located beneath the aquarium. Yet, if the sump is too far below the aquarium, such as on the floor, it can prevent the water from circulating through the system. The sump should be connected to the aquarium through the hoses associated with the filtration system. The return connection is often hooked to the overflow container, which is a segregated portion of the tank that drains water from the aquarium if the volume is too high. The connections vary by setup, but secure, leak-free connections are always crucial.