A backdrop filter is the name given to a subdivided section on the back part of a tank.  It is essentially a sump (see - What is a sump? ), without having to have piping between the main display tank and the sump.  A similar arrangement can be used at the end of a tank, not the back.  Backdrops aren't that common within the marine aquaria hobby, but some people swear by them.  As with any type of equipment or methodology, it isn't necessarily for everyone.  You need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages for your particular situation before making a judgement call on whether it is suitable for your reef tank or not.

Below is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of the backdrop filter arrangement.

Advantages

•  water does not flow between anything, no external plumbing is required.  This eliminates the risks of problems from things like leaks and over flowing for an external sump.
• equipment doesn't take up any additional space, all contained within the space of the tank itself, no space required underneath or beside the display tank required for a sump.

Disadvantages

•  front to back depth of the tank is lost.  Depending on the size of the tank, this may not be an issue, but this dimension can totally change the appearence of a tank.  That depth can make a tank look fair more impressive.  Additional problem associated with this is that it makes it more difficult to aquascape the tank.  The reef structure has to be narrower, which can limit the formations built to ensure stability.
• difficult to access equipment for maintenence.  This does depend on the width of the backdrop filter section, but they tend to be rather narrow, so access to the bottom may be difficult.  Plus, need to get over to the back of the tank to reach anything for maintenence.
• difficult to fetch anything that makes it way into the backfilter section.  If a small fish manages to find its way over into that section, then can be almost impossible to get them out.
• typical an off the shelf version will incorporate a trickle filter, which isn't really required.  (See - I'm confused, I thought sumps good, trickle filter bad?).

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