Can a sump be too big?

[BigRedHair92]

I'm working on slowly buying all the equipment for a 180 gallon DT, and I'm going to build my own sump. I've got a 40B and a 55 gallon tank that I have no other use for, and had thought about using for a sump. In looking at dimensions though, I think I'd rather have a 75 gallon tank for my sump so space would never be an issue, and clearly more water = more stability. The plan is to have the sump on the other side of the wall, so space under a stand is no issue. My question is if at some point a sump can become too big and cause any sort of issues.

 

[Brandon3152134]

No your just going to have a larger tank which is better. Alot of people who have multiple tanks connect them to make them more stable. The only downside I could potentially see is bigger water changes.

 

[JoshH]

I'm working on slowly buying all the equipment for a 180 gallon DT, and I'm going to build my own sump. I've got a 40B and a 55 gallon tank that I have no other use for, and had thought about using for a sump. In looking at dimensions though, I think I'd rather have a 75 gallon tank for my sump so space would never be an issue, and clearly more water = more stability. The plan is to have the sump on the other side of the wall, so space under a stand is no issue. My question is if at some point a sump can become too big and cause any sort of issues.

I'm thinking 75G Sump and 55G Fuge ;Smuggrin

 

[Brandon3152134]

Now your talking. that is honestly a really good idea have a macro algea habitat growing off your reef. Making a true ecosystem. That imo is the best approach to reef aquariums.

 

[Goodair]

A big refugium is essentially a 2nd tank that shares the same system. More upside than downside imo.

 

[Vette67]

My sump is almost the size of my display tank. I have a 180 DT and a 150 sump. I see no downside to a bigger sump, except larger water changes. I also run a 75 and a 40 fuge. The more water the better. I have my setup in my basement so if you have the space to support multiple tanks and a large sump, I say do it.

 

[sfin52]

I'm thinking 75G Sump and 55G Fuge ;Smuggrin

My buddy is doing the same with his 180. He is putting in a 90g sump and I'm trying to convince him to do a 50 horse trough macro tank.

 

[Uncle99]

I'm working on slowly buying all the equipment for a 180 gallon DT, and I'm going to build my own sump. I've got a 40B and a 55 gallon tank that I have no other use for, and had thought about using for a sump. In looking at dimensions though, I think I'd rather have a 75 gallon tank for my sump so space would never be an issue, and clearly more water = more stability. The plan is to have the sump on the other side of the wall, so space under a stand is no issue. My question is if at some point a sump can become too big and cause any sort of issues.

Yes I think there’s a point where size becomes cost prohibitive in terms of both heating and replacing water and salt.
Obviously bigger is better but when we get beyond double, not sure that the additional cost is worth it.

 

[BigRedHair92]

So I'm pretty new to the hobby, and this is going to be my first reef tank with a sump. What would I utilize all the space in the sump for then, if the fuge wasn't part of it? Would it just be open space?

 

[sfin52]

So I'm pretty new to the hobby, and this is going to be my first reef tank with a sump. What would I utilize all the space in the sump for then, if the fuge wasn't part of it? Would it just be open space?

What ever you want it to be. Extra rock, fuge a place for a krackin frag system.

 

[BigRedHair92]

What ever you want it to be. Extra rock, fuge a place for a krackin frag system.

I guess I hadn't thought about a frag system. I've been doing a lot of research on the super basic things, and haven't gotten to stuff like that that I see as something further down the road. I'll look into it!

 

[laverda]

Flow can become an issue i a large sump. Creating stagnant areas, if not well thought out.

 

[BigRedHair92]

Flow can become an issue i a large sump. Creating stagnant areas, if not well thought out.

Any recommendations on resources I can look at to ensure I do it properly if this is the route I go?

 

[aherre07]

To help with dead spots in the sump you can always add in some pumps in the sump. I use a MJ in my 40B to help keep things suspended in the water column. I would definitely consider using a powerhead in the sump if you were going to have a decent sized section for LR. this will help keep the flow moving between the rock work.

 

[Fourstars]

Two stacked forties for my 150 gallon display. If I had more room in my utily I’d of gone bigger.

 

[tricky_tran]

I have a 60 gal for a 75 Gal tank and the stand is bigger than what is needed right now

 

[ca1ore]

The old saw more water = more stable gets trotted out with regularity. Diminished ‘returns’ as you get into larger tank sizes. I had a connected 120XH refugium that I removed from my system and guess which turned out to true? Stability in my system went all to hell or it make no appreciable difference. No particular downside to a larger sump, but also no real point in more volume just for the sake of more volume. Now, if you need more space for equipment, or think you might want a refugium or space for frags, go for it.