Okay, I have a question. Dont laugh too hard.

[arkansasboy]

I keep reading about sumps and I am curious what the purpose is. I have an idea but I thought I would ask the pros. And how do you build one? I only have a 20 gal tank so would I need one? And what is a sump/refugium?

 

[x19]

A sump is a way to add stability to your system by increasing water volume, and adding a place to hide your equipment. You don't have to have a sump on a 20 gallon, but there is no reason you can't. I have a 20 gallon tank (filled about 3/4s up) that I use as a sump for my 30 gallon.

 

[arkansasboy]

So you use the sump for your filter and just pump water via plumbing through the system?

 

[Rufio808]

Yep. The sump will have all your filtering needs.

 

[wontonflip]

+1 everyone. Plus you can put chaeto in there to help keep nitrates down.

 

[marcah]

+1 on what they are ..
on a 20 you don't NEED one but it wouldnt hurt you to have one..:D

 

[Rufio808]

My 20 just has a modded aquaclear 70 filter and it works wonders. It has strong flow and a lot of space for any chemical additives like chemipure. I recommend one!

 

[RyanG]

Remember the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask.

 

[little_fish]

+1 Ryan

 

[arkansasboy]

Remember the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask.

That link wasnt any good. Got a 404.