Educate me!

[Bellamor]

Ok, Im doing my research and learning everything I can BEFORE I even begin to cycle! Im planing to use a 55 gl tank and will start FOWLR but would like to eventually step up. Today's question (Because there will be many many more), whats the difference between a sump and fuge? Will I need both to start or just one? Thanks!

Rhiannon

 

[THEDLO]

a fuge is used to hold macro algae that is used to remove excess nutrients in the water.
a sum is basically a tank that houses ur filtration equipment e.g. skimmer reactors, and return pump

 

[cowfish]

...and you can combine the two by installing a few baffles.

 

[KathyC]

They are often the same piece of equipment. Many folks have a sump - and part of that sump contains the 'fuge' portion - (actually refugium) where helpful algae can be housed and where many of the tiny beneficial critters (amphipods, copepods...) can grow & multiply free of predators.

The sump portion often houses your skimmer, heater, reactors and return pump.

One thought...a 55g tank tends to make a difficult reef tank - if you plan on going in that direction one day. The narrow width (12") makes it near impossible to build an attractive aquascape and many end up with a 'wall of rock' rather than the desired caves & interesting formations.

If your plan is to someday 'go reef' you would want to purchase the equipment now that will fit either a FOWLR or a reef tank so thast you do not have to keep upgrading the equipment such as lighting and a skimmer down the road.

 

[beerfish]

Here's a piece I wrote about refugiums awhile back:

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/77857-refugium-primer.html

 

[Bellamor]

Thanks everyone! My problem is that the current stand will not allow for a sump, so can I do an off the side fuge, and a skimmer? Do I need a filter with that?

 

[THEDLO]

Thanks everyone! My problem is that the current stand will not allow for a sump, so can I do an off the side fuge, and a skimmer? Do I need a filter with that?

yup u can keep it off to the side.

 

[Dre]

[PDF OVERLAY][/PDF OVERLAY]One thought...a 55g tank tends to make a difficult reef tank - if you plan on going in that direction one day. The narrow width (12") makes it near impossible to build an attractive aquascape and many end up with a 'wall of rock' rather than the desired caves & interesting formations.[PDF OVERLAY][/PDF OVERLAY]

Kathy you're right IMO.You need more width man.

 

[House of Laughter]

If you're going to make a FO or a FOWLR, then a 55g is the wrong tank unless you are going to only get mall fish. No tangs, Angels, puffers, larger wrasses or anything like that which you will find in FO tanks.

That being said, it makes the worst reef tank - aqauscaping is impossible and lighting it isn't the best . At 20", PC's are too little and T5's/Halides are a little too much in most cases. if you have an extra 6", you're beter off starting with a 75g or at the very least a 72g bowfront.

if you're not going to do a sump, you're going to have a hard time keeping it as the majority of the equipment will be INSIDE the tank and in plain sight. So, pump, heaters, temperature or any other kind of probe will be right in front.

75g is the best start as you can put a sump underneath the stand.

HTH

Jim

 

[Imbarrie]

+1 75 tank. This is what I stepped into from a 12 gallon nano.

I would also highly recommend getting a stand where you can add a sump. As mentioned it makes things a lot easier on the fish when you can do a lot of the maintenance without disturbing the tank.
A sump is just the lowest point in a fluid environment. Most of us keep everything in there so we have more room in the tank.
If I would have bought the 75 right away, I would have save a few hundred dollars. So consider getting the tank you want instead of working with the one you have.

 

[Bellamor]

Thanks everyone, I will have to see what I can do about a new tank.