What is a sump and what is it for ?

[hc rotala]

I meant sump is quite "enough" for filtering a tank, unlikely to have a canister any more.

[David Moses Heng]

I meant sump is quite "enough" for filtering a tank, unlikely to have a canister any more.

in my opinion is yes. i cannot say for others though.

[Shaihulud]

The sump also increases the effective volume of the tank, that means stability and resilience to crashing. Marine tanks usually use them.

[bossteck]

Eric

How different is the overhead filter boxes? The powerhead pumps up the water, it goes through the various media and then flow back down. If there is a problem, filtration stops but no flooded home.

Is the sump at the bottom more efficient? More aesthetic?

Hi there,

For sump filtration, siphon effect and gravity do the work first in pulling water from the tank into the sump, after water is channeled through the various compartments, the pump pushes it back into the main tank.

In the case of overhead filter boxes, like you described, if the pump fails, water will not be fed into it, hence no flooding. In the case of the sump, siphon has to be broken on both the inlet as well as the outlet. With that, there is no danger of flooding as well.

Yeah, I feel sump is easier to hide, hence making your entire setup looking neat.

Cheers