do i need a sump?

[noblejames1]

Hi, i am presently converting my 55 gallon fish only tank into my first reef. I have a Remora pro skimmer, 30 pounds of live rock with an undergravel filter(should i get rid off that?).
I like my remora, but hate how it takes up so much room in the tank and i understand that reef tanks require a great deal of water movement thus a big pump/ sump setup.
My problem is that i am afraid of the sump water over filling the tank after a power outage(short but frequent in my area) when i am not home to ensure the overflow filter restarts the syphon. Is there away to avoid this short of drilling holes in my tank? Also what size pcv tubes should i use as well as the GPH pump size. Arent those big water pumps noisy or will my stand muffle the noise.
THanks in advance
James

P.S i shall be upgrading my lights after i do this sump thing

 

[Clownkeeper]

I currently have a 55 gallon setup with a sump. The bulkhead that i have has a tip on the top that you can hook an airline to and put on a powerhead. I use a Maxijet powerhead that i can connect it to. You can set the water level to were it wont overflow your sump. I have had several powerouttages and sump has never overflowed. only like a 8-10 gallon sump.
My retun pump is a Rio 1200 which works great for me and then the MJ1200 inside the tank and then a smaller one in the other corner.. Getting ready to upgrade to another MJ1200. my current waterflow for the tank is over 1000gph. will be more once i get the other PH in the tank.
if you want more info you can email me for more details on my setup

Troy

 

[Anonymous]

I don't need a sump. I think they are over rated. If the tank is not drilled I wouldn't fool with it. The simpler the better.

Glenn