1 sump or 2

[tas]

I am just starting to plan my build. So many options out there so little knowledge!

1. Build a sump out of a 40 breeder. Skimmer and Fuge area. Baffle kit or make my own.

2. 20 gallon sump with the refugium and separate return and a second 20 gallon for the skimmer with a separate pump and return.

3. Buy a 36-48 inch sump with skimmer and Fuge are in it.

Tank will be a 120 rimless. Will run reactors as needed. I have plenty of room in the custom stand.

Any advice or ideas is welcomed and needed!

 

[Murica]

I vote one larger sump over two separate ones. Could you do it? Yes.. But you'll be reducing a lot of headaches with one when they both will achieve the same thing.

Also, pretty important here, if you choose two smaller ones and if one of your pumps fail, the other sump will continue to pump and unless you have a lot of excess room for emergency water storage, you'll over flow

 

[eb_reef]

I would not have two returns. If you have two sumps I would tee off the return and then let that sump overflow back into the main sump

 

[tas]

Excellent points about the separate sumps. Now
So I build or buy....

 

[Murica]

Excellent points about the separate sumps. Now
So I build or buy....

I always dream of building but when time comes, I realize that one little mistake could be the result in a failing system haha.

Depends on how good your are with that stuff, my issue is patience.. I need it now dang it!! Lol

 

[tas]

Hahahahaha
I think I’m pretty good with my hands and I’d probably get a baffle kit from Fuji Cube.
But man looking at some sumps by synergy, bashsea, and trigger as well as others... do I pay for pretty and piece of mind or do I go at it DIY style and build something I can be proud of that it was built not bought.

Also 500.00. Vs 150.00 or so.....

 

[eb_reef]

You may need this my friend
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-sump-baffle-kit.224889/

 

[davocean]

I have a 120g myself and just used a 40b, made skimmer/drain section just a little bigger than footprint needed, return section same, just bigger than needed, and then rest was as big of fuge as I could fit, as I have animals that benefit from pods(mandarins, anthia)
This also gives me room for ATO to the side of it.
2 returns is kind of a waste, watts equal heat, wasteful, and it can be challenging to do 2 sumps/separate fuge and make sure you have overflow volume area in event of power failure.
Whether built diy or ordered, this would be my personal choice.

 

[Mr.Asbury]

My 40g breeder DIY sump is working great for my 180g tank. I got baffles from a local glass shop & siliconed them in myself. It was pretty simple. It's definitely worth making it yourself and saving a few hundred dollars in my opinion. That money can be used to buy something else nice for the tank =).

Just pick out your skimmer prior to building so you know for sure that it will fit.