i was wonder.....are sumps very hard to set up? are they expensive, or do they come w/ the aquirium?

Sumps can get a bit $$ but If you have the time you probably could build one like me. It only ended up costing me about $250 for a full 10 gallon sump w/skimmer but if you buy it already built it can end up costing $300-$600. They arnt hard to set up . A sump is pritty much a small tank that holds all you equipment such as protien skimmer,heater, filter media, ext. It is mostly used to keep all the junk that you don't want showing underneath the tank. The biggest problem wqith sumps is over flowing.

so r sumps really a must or is there any way i could not use one?
i was also wondering how i need to cover the filters so that the octo dosent try to climb in.
Thanks
PeACe
Tif

You dont need one. But it is nice to have it. Either way filteration isnt cheap. I suggest a hang on protien skimmer, canister filter, and some live rock for you filteration.

Either way filteration isnt cheap.


Bingo. Its the kind of thing where if you can't do it right you shouldn't do it at all. A sump gives you safety. There are less apertures in the lid to plug. Less ways for your octopus to get shredded. Larger water volume. Even most important is equipment. Lets be honest: most HOB equipment is garbage. HOB filters and skimmers are typically marketed towards the fair-weather, cheap-minded hobbyist because all the serious hobbyists out there (reef-keepers) who are willing to pay for quality have sumps.

Dan

ok but i still dont get how a sump works or how to set one up.......its kinda confusing me:( anyways if i dont get a sump i'll jus get a nice canister filter :)

How many aquariums have you had in the past? I recommend going to a local fish store (not a chain...) and just asking some of these questions. You will be able to see some of the answers to these questions for yourself. It is always a good idea to develop a relationship with a good local fish store, they can help you in many ways...

yes!! im visiting a salt water pet store tomarrow......hopefully they will have the anserws to all my questions:)
thanks

How many aquariums have you had?

i dunno alot lol

If you have a basic understanding of aquarium care, it shouldn't be too hard for you to get back up to speed with the latest aquarium "gear"...

Lets be honest: most HOB equipment is garbage.
Dan
I recommend going to a local fish store (not a chain...) and just asking some of these questions.

2 excellent pearls of wisdom!

A sump is nothing more than a second fish tank that is plumbed into the first tank and normally hidden to conceal all the filtration garbage.

Think of a public aquarium display.

The trick to sumps is the design and safety features -these can make it or break it. The hard part in DIY sumps is the plumbing-this is not an issue with premade sumps. I would not recommend making your own sump until you have had one. The design looks simple when you understand the mechanics, but thinking it is will be the fastest way to soak your carpet.