Are sumps worth it?

[suds1421]

My problem with a sump is the cost of running it. My HOB filters are 7w each, that's 14w.

The return pump for a sump would be about 120w, that's 850% more electricity. This doesn't include the fact that you have to heat more water which would cost more.

Once I'm proven that I need more water in my system (I.e. I can't keep my nitrates under 20 with weekly water changes) then I will add a sump to my system. For now I'm using HOB filters.

 

[DustyBZoo]

Electric costs have never been an issue for me. I have an iguana room that has about 1500w of lighting, but i never noticed a significant increase on my electric bill.

 

[wizardslovak]

I always thought that for tanks with less volume of water (75g -) sumps are really not much difference. Well i changed my opinion when i got my marineland wet/dry , i customised it , took out bio wheel , and loaded that chamber with scrubbies and bio balls. And good i did , since then i never had problem with water quality, always clean , + water in tank is pretty hot so evaporation is high , With sump i dont have to fill up my tank everyday but once a week. Another + is that i dont like heaters and stuff in my tank , with sump you can actually stick most of stuff there .

 

[DustyBZoo]

Good point. A sump would be nice for hiding heaters and other stuff.

 

[wcgunns]

My project tank right now is a 450 gallon with 125 gallon sump powered by a Reeflo Hammerhead and 2 x Eheim 2260. So far water is great and crisp. Sump is not complete yet. Wanting to add some more stuff which is the great thing about a sump.