Your Sump Filter SUCKS!

Sumps, the highest level of crazy when it comes to aquarium filters, are something used mostly in salt water, but I'm here to tell you why they suck.
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"Envision" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@gregjonesonline]

I find sumps are generally the last step in the evolution of a fishroom and are by far the most efficient and lowest cost option when you have 4 or more aquariums on a wall. I prefer to use Laguna plastic pond tubs as my sumps, they are cheap but requires some DIY knowledge to set it up. The only two downsides to sumps IMO is multiple tanks connected to one filter means disease can spread between tanks, and you are pretty much required to drill your tanks in order to use a sump.

[@84DavidM777]

Why not use piping like from a canister on the tank? I mean do you really have to drill?

[@gregjonesonline]

@@84DavidM777 a canister filter uses a pump to suck water down into a pressurized canister and pump it back up into the same body of water, with a sump you can't do that, you need to use gravity to overflow water out of the tank and into the sump and pump it back up top

[@unlearnr]

Love it when you say *yea* pause *yea* at 6:52. Funny, entertaining and informative! Good job on the video Bentley!

[@AverageJoeTanks]

Loved your video. I had a 40 gallon for about 18 months. Spent alot of $ and time. I experienced almost everything you mentioned. The flooding really sucked. lol. Didn't even need the sump. I just wanted to try it. Needless to say, I went back to my 2 fluval 406.

[@vb2377]

This series is like a father criticizing his son then telling him I still love you 😂

[@superaquatics]

Hi Bentley. What you say is true about sumps , the space, cost, etc, BUT only if it is the traditional sumps with baffles, etc they way you find on reef tanks. If you think out of the box, a sump can be built at only a fraction of the cost and without any high tech DIY skills. I built myself a small sump for my 50g tank using a 30l plastic tote container and a planter box. Also no need for baffles, fancy pumps, overflow boxes, etc. I've used a simple powerhead inside the tank to pump water out into a planter box for mechanical filtration. The water flows into the bottom of the planter box, flows up through a sponge and then overflows through an overflow pipe into the sump under it. The sump contains a plenum(Jaubert's style), and 6 bcb bags/ baskets. The sump is placed hidden behind the tank at the same level as the aquarium and the water flows back into the tank vide two siphon pipes maintaining the same water level as the aquarium at all times. No risk of overflow during power outages. The powerhead in the aquarium has a prefilter sponge. Easy to maintain, all you do is remove the sponge from the planter box, rinse and put it back. Sweet and simple, minimum cost, minimum maintenance, stable, zero ammonia, zero nitrites & zero nitrates.

[@tolstoy21]

You are spot on with all of your sump points. I run a DIY sump made from a 29g Aqueon that sits underneath a 125g. Sure I got the tank during the dollar a gallon sale, but yeah the plumbing, overflow, return pump etc. drives the costs waaaay up. I tend to be super handy and have my sump dialed in to be dead silent, to never ever overflow onto my floor, and it's hooked into an auto water change system in my basement that can do a 50% water change in a few minutes with nothing more than the single push of a button on my smart phone (and that also does a continuous slow trickle water change all day). The sump is setup in a way that it's unseen and unheard. But yeah, these kind of setups are not for the faint of heart, and they take a lot of know-how to architect, set up and maintain. I'd never-ever recommend one to the average fish keeper, or even an advanced fish keeper because being successful with a sump has nothing to do with being an advanced fish keeper; it's about being handy and understanding how to research and build things the correct way so you don't wreck your house.

[@Handygrrl]

Having just bought my first HUGE-TO-ME tank, this was very interesting and educational! So thank you! I was told recently that if you place your filter or sump ABOVE the tank, then you might be less likely to have an overflow issue during a power outage. Can't wait to see the next video!

[@tolstoy21]

If you size the sump correctly, and position the overflow box correctly, a sump won't over flow. But you have to do your research to get this right. If you don't, you will be 100% guaranteed to flood your house if you lose power to your return pump.

[@deneng0259]

My first sump is a 5 gallon DIY 26" x6"x6" above the tank and i love love love it. No chance of overflow unless it isn't draining into the tank , so i put a reverse top off on it . Super easy to clean .

[@atkinsnatureaquariums3552]

Look forward to what you have to say next week! I love my sumps, those trigger sumps are the lexus of sumps, they are expensive for the name, and fancy add ons. I have never overflowed my sumps, yet at least lol. For them being loud, means its a bad install and they didnt take the time and research different types of drains and overflows etc. With my sumps using DC pumps, i find they are alot quieter then your AC powered cantisers filters. Yeah its more work to setup and money upfront, if i wanted it cheap and easy i would be in a different hobby. Love what you put out today Bentley, keep it up

[@jackalishush]

FINALLY! We're up to sumps! Mines been a learning curve, but a little plumbing, rechaulking the corner tower thing * not sure what it's called, rolls of filter pads, 2 large bio bags, and finally a new pump. I love it. Do have some whooshing waves to eliminate, but damn it cleans the 150 freshwater like a champ!

[@adamselectricuniverse]

Bentley, out there... somewhere... is a fish keeper with a 250 gallon sump servicing a 125 gallon aquarium, lol... yup... yes there is... I think we both know it! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the awesome video... let us know when you get the 2nd $600 to get thing up and running!

[@deneng0259]

That would be so so cool.

[@koffee3816]

sumps do have a downside, but the amount of flexibility and extra water in circulation, makes them the best type of filter on the market. never seen a sump system run dry or overflow on a power cut either, but we don't use overflow boxes, but i guess its possible. and as for setup, i personally find them full proof, you can't really go wrong in config, sure you can config them better but doing it wrong still works fine, cost wise sumps are cheap, just some acrylic for chambers and a 2 foot tank or so and your away, certainly a basic 2 or 3 ft sump is cheaper than a medium range canister filter.

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

Been there flooding my floor with a siphoning sump. Now drilled an emergency overflow which also has the benefit of enabling automatic water changes. But like you said, requires DIY skills and 💵

[@josepolanco1228]

Thanks always for the great knowledge

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

I have both types of filters in my fishroom and see virtues of both ... and issues. Howvever, it is CRITICAL to not have your overflow or outflows low in the tank to avoid flooding. If you are mindful of that sumps are great for large tanks and the extra "tank" comes in handy for extra plants or rogue fish!

[@nozr1383]

So far this series sucks! I love it! Keep it up!

[@BentleyPascoe]

🤣

[@BOOM-R-REACTS]

I don't have a sump, but if I did, it would more than likely suck! LOL Thanks for this entertaining video.

[@Qyngali]

Honestly, I'd just get a bigger tank and have a deep substrate, regular thickness up front, then make a "step" with rocks and fill up the back with a really deep layer. Maybe with a low flow UGF, possibly with reverse flow. For the money you could get a bigger custom tank! To save on space, ake it deeper and/or taller instead of longer. Heck it would probably turn out cheaper than tank+sump unless you DIY the sump. I'd rather have a bigger tank IMO, but to each their own. :)

[@welshweeks01]

A sump is superior to a cannister filter, if you've not enough common sense to setup the water levels etc then walk away. I've run sumps and cannisters and sump is MUCH more versatile. Any large aquariums and far better run on a sump and that's an absolute fact. .

[@cherellzandell]

Oh man, I'm counting on the "sumps are awesome" video next week! I'm about to try my first sump, albeit on a saltwater tank, and I'm pretty nervous 😬

[@robertangell981]

Hi Bentley! Happy Thanksgiving weekend! Your petsmart trick no longer works. They got rid of the trail treats game. I'm so bummed! We were just about to use it on the black friday 125 gallon ensemble deal. Even if they wouldn't take it for that, we were planning on using it for the FX6. Oh well, I guess they don't need my money anymore, or the money of fishkeepers like me. Where else is there a store I can get a 125 gal. aquarium??? Petco only carries up to a 75 gallon. Thanks.

[@hectorlara1864]

Well this video is short....can't wait to see why sumps rock...I sure know why.

[@laurabustos6560]

I have seen these huge things at fish stores but does anyone have a big enough space to have these things in their house?!? 😅 Maybe Texans? Everything's bigger there they say... Upon further investigating, ie hearing Bentley say these things cost hundreds of dollars, I've come to the conclusion that even if I had the space, I'll stick to my little $10 nano hang on backs and dual hygger sponge fillers that run about $25 in my "big" 10 and 20g tanks😂.

[@BentleyPascoe]

There are ways to make them way cheaper, just wait!

[@samscalz]

Sumps do not suck at all. They just aren't in the budget of most fishkeepers. They are a but more hands on than a canister, but sumps are the best way to keep absolutely pristine water conditions. Built-in overflows are a must to have trouble free success and all sumps must be able to hold 25% of the aquarium's total water capacity.

[@John-Ebsen]

Sumps always interested me, but ive already flooded the office once and I would really need someone to walk me through it to feel comfortable.

[@erick6102]

I learned everything from Joey Mullen. If you scroll through and watch his older videos, you can learn how to do it. But it does take some DIY skills to keep them from being too expensive.

[@aquaenthusiast9185]

👍At the end of the series would be cool "why no-filter sucks" - and "rocks"😃

[@Bwizzle89]

Lol' can't wait to see the comments much love see ya having fun

[@tonyadams4726]

So before my comments I want to say I know the point of these videos because your last live you said people were freaking out over what you said in the last your blank sucks. You are not wrong; you are not wrong at all about every point you made about having a sump. However I am still getting huge sumps for my (180 and above) tanks from Custom Aquariums in my next home after we finally decide to sell this house. You can combat the sound with more bio/filter/etc. media. Plus it is my dream to have a fresh water refugium with microfauna, cherry shrimp, etc. That boom in it and make their way through the system to my main tank as healthy snacks lol.

[@erick6102]

Are you on insta? I have a video of my sump just how you described. I have a big refugium with shrimps and snails to keep the sponge filters clean if you’d like to see

[@rolandwilson4550]

If you want to run a sump on your freshwater aquarium do some research on how to set one up. Freshwater sumps don’t require baffles. Research , research, and go for it.

[@AquariumFun-sy2jt]

I gave up on overflow boxes decades ago. If they lose syphon, your tank is going to overflow with the water pumped from the sump. No thank you (to overflow boxes)...

[@kosys5338]

OK I have to chime in here because I am in fact 100% a sump guy, all day everyday my filter of choice. Now with that said, what Bentley is saying is 100% Correct! My main tank is a 90 gallon and I do in fact use a trigger sump on that tank and yes the tank itself is drilled and designed for a sump. Bentley is 100% right when he says Trigger sumps are not cheap (they are not) and he is 100% right about the risk of flood damage ( no doubt ). When you are going to use a sump you need to know what you are doing and why you are doing it. I have never had a flood nor am I worried that I am going to overflow the sump and flood the floor if the system loses power or anything like that because I know exactly what I am doing. Now as for the sound my sump system is the quietest system I run, it is literally dead silent. If I actually hear a sound coming from that tank it tells me something might be a little off and give it a check. The system I run my sump on is in fact quieter than any FX6, I know this because I also have a tank with an Fx6 in the same and it makes way more noise than my sump system. My sump system is 100% designed to be that quiet and you need to know what your doing to do it right. Now with all those negatives Bentley just pointed I am still 100% a sump guy, why you say? Well for one I'm probably lazier than Bentley and the ease of use when it comes to maintenance and a sump is off the charts easier, Secondly options, a sumps provides me a ton of options. All the equipment is in the sump, I grow more plants in the sump, it increases my systems overall water volume, my stand opens up to give me full access to the whole sump system with no support posts in the way. When it comes to maintaining the sump I don't bat an eyelash, when it comes to cleaning the FX6 I absolutely dredd it and procrastinate like crazy to bring myself to doing it. For me it comes to laziness, yes a sump system is a lot more work at the beginning but it buys me so so much more ease of use in the long run. As for the cost, I just see it as an investment into my laziness lol. I will take a sump over an FX6 any day and I don't bother with sponge filters and hang on the backs. As for my tank with the sump I do not carry a drop of water back and forth to that tank, I cannot say the same for my FX6. I spill more water dealing with myn FX6 than I ever do dealing with my sump system. Just my two cents, but I do agree with everything Bentley said except I don't believe sumps suck, I think they are fantastic. But you do need to know what your doing, with that said it is not hard to learn, it's not like rocket science, just basic plumbing. OK maybe you will need to understand a little physics lol.

[@deneng0259]

When i set up a sump my number one priority is to plan ahead so no overfows

[@kosys5338]

@@deneng0259 If your going to be running a sump then there will always be an overflow of some sort, if the tank is pre drilled the overflow will be inside the tank and is called the weir. It is when people don't have a pre drilled tank is when they use some sort of external overflow ( not a route I would ever take ). So yeah planning ahead and sticking to your plan is a great idea to say the least. Buying a pre drilled tank with a weir is also more costly than a standard tank. But remember, all this extra cost in setting up a sump system pays for itself big time in the long run. You just gotta trust me on that one. Take your time and do your homework and you will be fine. If you have any questions along the way feel free to drop me a line and I can try and help you out with the question.

[@shannonrhoads7099]

I can't use a sump. My apartment is so small, my fish swim up and down as it is! I am gonna have to live with my stupid UG + box filter setup.

[@KoroWerks]

Hey-no-hey wait! but what if I use a sump AND an undergravel? 😝 Can't wait to see what your benefits list looks like for the big boys of filtration.

[@deneng0259]

My first tank i set up has a above the tank sump and a underground plenum. It works fantastic.

[@KoroWerks]

@@deneng0259 I think mines reversed, I have a regular sump and a reverse undergravel(the sump feeds into the undergravel tubes, then percolates up through the substrate)

[@shesellsfish]

600 bucks for a box that requires a lot more steps and money to reach completion for functioning? Nahhh...sponge filters for the win, for me. 👍❤️👍

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

If you have some DIY skills, you can repurpose old tanks and build your own or make one out of polypropylene

[@jeffkane4391]

I know it's a pros and cons type series, but I'm still struggling with it 🥺 That being said I do hope the series does what you intended. 😊

[@BentleyPascoe]

It's been fun to film and talk through the various methods of filters

[@jeffkane4391]

@BentleyPascoe that is great to hear. It might be a little hair pulling and screaming at times from this end. It is possible you might make me bald before my 3 daughters or granddaughter 😆 🤣

[@emberframe6994]

intresting stuff

[@Bandicoot1936]

Sumps are not as complicated as you or other ppl make them out to be. The cost can vary. It can be done much cheaper than what you are implying. Mine is very quiet, flood proof, and extremely easy to maintain. In order to get it this way you do need to do some research, and additional work in the beginning. If you’re too lazy to do that? just stick with h.o.b.s. Lol. It really doesn’t require extensive plumbing skills either. I have an fx6 collecting dust right now. Pales in comparison.

[@nabokovfan87]

#1 reason it sucks, you likely have to do actual math to make it work right. #2 reason is that nearly every premade stand ISN'T going to work with a sump.

[@samscalz]

The older sump styles were not effective. Berlin style is much better

[@-AndrewR]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@mjweismann111]

Every reefer in the world says you’re wrong. OMG, you make it sound so much more complicated than it is. I was out of the hobby for like 30 years and started with a 200 gallon tank and a large sump. All it takes is a little reading and watching some KZbin videos and you’re good to go. And as far as price goes, why does it seem like the freshwater side of the hobby is for cheapskates? Only saltwater hobbyists spend money.

[@mjweismann111]

Once you get the sump dialed in, it’s pretty easy. The biggest pains are keeping it clean and keeping up with evaporation. Evaporation is terrible in AZ and it required an auto top-off. The best thing about a sump, IMO, is having next to no equipment in the display tank.

[@jagdtiger9287]

Sump filters are good for marine tanks because of a foam fractionator can be put there and also a algae scrubber plus copods breeding in it.

[@cajanir]

How dare you diss sumps! Unsubbed! DWL. Great series BTW.

[@StevenaFishMan]

Hello Bentley might I say that if you think that sump filter you have there sucks so much you are more than welcome to send it to me and if you like I will even pay for the shipping myself

[@BentleyPascoe]

🤣

[@StevenaFishMan]

@@BentleyPascoe hey I was just putting it out there is all...LOL

[@BentleyPascoe]

@@StevenaFishMan I respect the hustle.

[@StevenaFishMan]

@@BentleyPascoe hey had to try 😁

[@igorvorn74]

You are completely missing on how biological filtration is done in commercial water treatment facilities. Sump is the closest you get to the right bio and mechanical filtration. It’s funny that you even compare it with dirt bucket canister filter. It’s good business but nowhere even close to right water treatment. Sump can be cheap. There are a lot of videos how to make sump from fish tank. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to make one. I I have done it before for fraction of even cheap commercial filter. Extra equipment is overflow box and pump. Again this video is very subjective based on wrong assumptions and information.

[@deneng0259]

Yep and i am always on the lookout to buy used sumps and do so.

[@reklamador27]

Atleast I'm not running some nuclear power plant like pumps or whatever you have in there. Our filter sucks? Or you just full of yourself. Welp that sucks

[@BentleyPascoe]

I think you're missing the point on this series, but I appreciate the comment