Canister filter vs. Sump

[Dragonet]

I am getting a new 125 gallon tank and I have the choice of either getting a sump system because the tank has a corner flow drain already drilled in, or a FX5 fluval canister filter.
I have had experiance with canister filters and I think they work very well but because the tank has a predrilled drain for a sump I was wondering which is ultimately better or will work best with what I have.

Any opinions would be very helpful.

Thankyou.
Liam.

 

[Lotus]

Go with the sump. Every time. A canister filter tends to cause nitrates to build up in saltwater tanks.

 

[Dragonet]

Thanks for the reply and should the sump be cleaned as often as a canister filter?

 

[Lotus]

It's best to not have much mechanical media in your sump. Definitely don't put bio balls in there. Filter socks are good, but you should clean/change them weekly.

 

[Lorna]

rather than bioballs I would suggest that placing a bunch of live rock rubble in a media bag is a good addition along with running some cheato or other macro algae in the sump. These coupled with a good protein skimmer and you will be good to go. That is provided you also have a sufficient amount of live rock in the display to give you adequate biological filtration.