fugless/sumpless good idea?

hi all i was thinking about setting up a 45 gallon tank without a sump or refugium just wondering what everyones opinion on this was.

The only thing i have room for in the stand would be a skimmer as it is a DIY hexagon tank and my tendency to go overkill on the frame ;D

thanks in advance

Peter

 

Once you see all the crap hanging in your display tank, you may wish you had at least a sump.

Benefits are

increased water volume
hides stuff (pumps, heaters, probes, drip lines, etc.)
It is a great place to put additives in

It is a personal choice , really

 

I agree with birdlady.

A sump can be a great place to hide equipment like skimmers and heaters, but other than adding additional water volume, it really doesnt benefit you more than that.

A refugium, however, is another story. A refugium (or "fuge") is similar to a sump in a way. This is an area of the tank, usually separated by an overflow and a return pump, where you cultivate different types of macroalgae.

The macroalgae grow in this sequestered area of the tank and use up nutrients in the water that would otherwise go to support the growth of other algaes which can quickly clutter and ruin the asthetic appearance of the main tank (hair algae for example).

Many people have different theories on whether a fuge is a necessary piece of equipment or not. I know people who run tanks on fuges and thats it...no skimmer or external filtration.

Personally, I dont have a fuge. I would rather go with a protein skimmer that can handle many times the capacity of my tank. I feel it is an easier and more scientific (albeit less "natural") way of maintaining the balance of nutrients and wastes in my tank.

Hope this helps.