Filter/Sump

[rwiesner20]

I have a 55g Saltwater fish only tank, and I have had the tank running for about 5 months now and it is been doing fine. But I want to change to maybe a sump and get rid of my Aqueon 55 filter system. I have been reading some reviews on Hagen Fluval 305 Canister Filter and I haven't heard anything bad about it. I was wondering if the Fluval 305 would be just as good as a sump if I get me a decent protein skimmer? Any input would be much appreicated.

 

[gemmy]

I run a Fluval on my 55, and I do not have any issues. IMO, the key to my success is my diligence to filter upkeep, weekly water changes and running a skimmer. I also take extra precautions not to overfeed or pollute the tank. If I was able to have a sump, I would definitely do it.

 

[rwiesner20]

weekly water changes that seems like a lot

 

[deejeff442]

over the years i have gotten lazy with water changes i do them every 2-3 weeks.at 10% but my tank has been running for years and some of my rock is 20+ years old.newer tanks i would do 5% weekly if i could for the first 6 months.than every two weeks would be fine with 10%.
i have let tanks go for months without a water change just top off.but like i said my tanks have been running for years and i dont keep alot of fish in my tanks.
my sump on my 250 is a 75 gallon with just 30+ lbs of lr rubble,i recently added a scrubber.today i finally have some time to do a water change i have a 45 gallon tank just for mixing water .the new mix has been mixing for 4-5 days now.i just got done changing out the carbon in the reactor and scrapped one side of my scrubber.i would suggest looking at a scrubber .cost around $25 to make one and my water tests perfect ever since.plus i have had problems with thick hair algae and now it is almost gone.

 

[flower]

IMO a sump has more uses than just as a filter...it adds oxygen to the water before it is pumped back into the DT, and because of the extra volume of water you have more dillution. The water stays cooler as well and I run MH lights 12 hours. When I just had canister filters the tank would get pretty warm.
A sump is a great place to hide ugly equipment like a skimmer which works much better in a sump than any HOB types. Also good for adding your top off water without having to lift it to the top of the tank. You can make a chamber for a refugium which is a 100% plus. You can add the buffers or meds and have it well mixed before it goes to the DT. So lots of pluses for a sump system.
Regular water changes and good upkeep on the canister (be sure to get an oversized canister: example get a 75g rating for a 55g tank), live rock and sand and a good skimmer will certainly keep your tank alive and well. I used canisters for many years.

 

[rwiesner20]

Well I have live rock and live sand already, I want to do a sump so I can stop using my filter i have right now, thats why i want a cnaister so i can put biocubes and all that but if i have a sump won't i still need a filter system of some what. Also I would like to build one for my 55g tank if I am gonna have one what size should I make it figured I would use another size tank????