Hey guys, I’m just starting to acquire gear to start my first reef tank. I’ve got a 40B aquarium and am trying to decide whether to splurge for a sump and the hassle/risk of a HOB overflow (not drilling holes because Aqueon is known to be using tempered glass for more than just bottom panes lately) or if I should just get a simple HOB power filter. I know that sumps have many advantages, and I am open to setting one up in the future.

Is a HOB filter adequate for starting out or should I spend another $500+ on setting up a sump?