Novice With Question About Sumps

[tutankhamun]

I am interested in getting into this hobby. I am looking at a 72gallon bow front glass tank. However, before beginning this or even attempting it I am trying to learn everything I can. One of the things I keep hearing is the word sumps. However, none of the books or online resources have really explained what they are, what are they used for and do you have to have one?
The reason I ask is that many of the kits I have read about don't have a sump listed. Usually they include just a wet/dry filter and a protein skimmer. an a power head.
Any and all advice or comments are welcome.
Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[slick]

Hi Mike welcome to the board.
A sump basicly is a place where your water gets filtered. Some people consider a wet dry a sump. Now all this is just my opinion so it could be a little off. Asump is usually a container of some kind or a smaller tank. The water from your main tank comes down a tube to the sump via your overflow. The sump can consist of many things. A protien skimmer, and a heater and your return pump are just a few. Some people put dividers in them to create chambers to do different tasks. Do a search on sumps to get a better understanding of how it all works. Good luck on your set up.

 

[eng50]

Marc, please respond to this post!
Oceanjumper has a 72 bowfront and has made a website www.oceanjumper.com dedicated to this tank and all his experiences seting it up..especially his sump and refugium. He has done an excellent job!! Take a look, and I have no doubt he will help you any way he can...
Bill