It takes a lot of equipment to run a thriving SPS reef tank and that makes it a challenge to fit everything underneath a tank stand. My first reef tank was in an apartment in New York City and I labored to squeeze everything into that confined space. It was a rented apartment so my hands were sort of tied when it came to “customizing” the living space to house equipment away from the tank.

Besides more room for equipment, there are a few other reasons why it makes sense to have a remote area for a sump and the rest of the equipment:

Less risk of water splashing on and damaging electrical plugs and equipment.

Fewer heat sources underneath the tank (equipment such as pumps and MORE