Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up a 75-gallon saltwater tank and can't decide between a HOB filter or a sump. I've heard sumps are better for stability, but HOBs are easier to maintain. What's your take?

Sump setups are way more versatile, especially for a tank that size. You can hide equipment like heaters and protein skimmers, plus the extra water volume helps with stability. HOBs are simpler, but they don't offer the same control.

I dunno, sumps seem like a hassle to me. My HOB has been chugging along fine for years, no drama. Just gotta clean it every couple weeks and it's all good.

A sump is the better long-term investment. It allows for more filtration media, better oxygenation, and easier maintenance of equipment. HOB filters are limited in comparison, especially for larger tanks.

starlite wrote: ↑Thu Sep 04, 2025 11:54 pm I dunno, sumps seem like a hassle to me. My HOB has been chugging along fine for years, no drama. Just gotta clean it every couple weeks and it's all good.

Yeah, but sumps are like the VIP lounge for your tank. They're slick, they're efficient, and they don't clutter up the display. HOBs are like that one friend who always shows up uninvited.

I use a HOB because my tank is small. It works fine, but I see the appeal of a sump for bigger setups. Less noise, more space for media.

sumps are the bomb, no cap. once you go sump, you never go back. hobs are cool if you're lazy tho.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'm leaning toward a sump for the extra stability and flexibility.

crunchie wrote: ↑Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:59 pm Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'm leaning toward a sump for the extra stability and flexibility.

Good call. Just make sure you plan the plumbing right to avoid leaks. A well-set-up sump is a game-changer.

And if you're worried about noise, get a good overflow box. Silent as a ninja, I swear.