Sumps

[bowser220]

I have been out of saltwater for a few years and I wanted to get back into it. I have an Emperor filter system and I wanted to switch to a sump system. What kind is the best for an 80 tank with live rock only. Should I make the switch or is it fine to go with what I have? I want to get the best water quality possible

 

[saxman]

go with a sump...not a "wet-dry" or "trickle" filter, but a straight sump. you have many possibilities with a sump, best of all, all of that ugly equipment that would be in you tank can be kept in the sump out of sight (as it should be).
i'm also a huge fan of closed-loops (CL) for your supplemental flow, because PH's ugly too.
i also prefer black backs...they hide plumbing, and give a nice feeling of depth.
IMHO, this is how "clean" looking a tank should be: everything is in the sump, and it has a 3-inlet CL.

here's how it was done:

HTH