Aquarium Life Support Systems: Sumps, Filtration, UV and Cooling Explained

The tank you see is half the aquarium. The other half is the life support system (LSS): the equipment that removes waste, keeps the water chemically safe and holds the temperature. In a custom tank it is designed together with the tank, since both depend on each other.

The sump

A sump is a second tank, usually hidden in the cabinet or the plant room beneath the display. Water flows down to it, passes through the filtration and is pumped back. It adds water volume, which makes the system more stable, and gives you a place for heaters, chillers and other equipment, so the display stays free of clutter.

Mechanical filtration

Solid waste has to be caught before it breaks down. Filter socks, screens or mats remove particles from the flow and need cleaning at a regular interval. A larger, easier-to-reach mechanical stage means fewer problems later.

Biological filtration

Fish release ammonia, which is toxic. Bacteria living on filter media convert it to nitrite and then to the much less harmful nitrate. The media needs a large surface area and a steady flow of oxygenated water. This is why a new tank must cycle before fish are added.

Ultraviolet sterilisation

A UV unit exposes passing water to ultraviolet light, which treats free-floating algae and some pathogens. It is useful in warm conditions and for tanks that tend to turn green, although it works alongside, not instead of, good filtration.

Cooling and heating

In the UAE the thermal system is critical. A chiller keeps the tank in its range through summer, and the unit must be sized for the volume and heat load. See aquarium chillers in the UAE.

Controls and monitoring

Timers, level sensors and temperature alarms make a tank safer, especially when nobody is around. Monitoring is most valuable during holidays and power cuts.

Designing the system with the tank

We specify the sump, filtration, cooling and controls at the engineering stage, in line with the volume, the species and where the plant will sit. The hidden parts are accessible for service, because a system that is hard to reach is a system that gets neglected. The whole route is described in our aquarium installation process.

FAQ

Do all aquariums need a sump?

No, but larger and custom aquariums benefit from one, because of the extra volume and the hidden space for equipment.

How often should the filter be serviced?

It depends on the system and its load. Regular visits stop small problems growing, see aquarium maintenance cost.

Want a system engineered for your tank? Ask us or see the custom aquarium service.

Further reading: Aquarium filter (Wikipedia) | Sump (Wikipedia)