Reef Tank and Sump Exchange: What You Need to Know

If you have a reef tank, you may have heard about the benefits of using a sump. A sump is an additional tank that sits underneath or next to your main aquarium and is connected to it via pipes or hoses. The purpose of a sump is to provide extra filtration, increase water volume, and make maintenance easier.
In this post, we’ll discuss the basics of the exchange between a reef tank and a sump, and how to incorporate a skimmer into this setup.
The Exchange Process:
In a reef tank and sump exchange setup, water is constantly flowing between the two tanks. The water is siphoned from the main tank into the sump, where it goes through various filtration stages before being pumped back into the main tank. The exchange process is usually achieved using an overflow box, which is a device that allows water to flow from the main tank into the sump without any electrical components.
Benefits of a Sump:
One of the main benefits of using a sump is that it provides a larger volume of water for your aquarium system. This means that there is more water to dilute any toxins that may be present in the tank, and it also provides more stability in terms of temperature and pH levels. Additionally, a sump provides additional filtration options, such as protein skimmers, that can help remove excess nutrients and waste from the water.
Skimmers and Sumps:
Protein skimmers are a popular form of filtration for reef tanks. A skimmer removes organic material and waste from the water by creating a column of bubbles that attract and trap the waste, which is then removed from the system. When incorporating a skimmer into a sump setup, it’s important to position the skimmer so that the water flows into it before entering any other filtration stages. This ensures that the skimmer can effectively remove any waste before it gets broken down by other filtration methods.
Conclusion:
In general, it is recommended to exchange about 10% of the total volume of the aquarium every hour. So, if you have a 200-liter aquarium, you should exchange at least 20 liters of water between the aquarium and the Sump every hour. This amount may vary depending on the specific needs of your filtration system and the needs of the fish and plants in the aquarium.
It is also important to keep track of the water quality in the aquarium and the Sump. If the water in the aquarium becomes too dirty or if the water quality in the Sump decreases, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of water exchanges. On the other hand, if the water in the aquarium is too clean and lacks nutrients, it may be necessary to reduce the frequency of water exchanges.
Using a sump in conjunction with your reef tank can provide numerous benefits, such as increased water volume, improved filtration, and easier maintenance. By incorporating a protein skimmer into your sump setup, you can further enhance the quality of your aquarium water and create a healthier environment for your marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reef keeper, a sump is a great addition to any reef tank setup.