come one, come all

schmoore89 · Sep 3, 2015

I am getting ready to set up my first tank. I am starting with a 55gal. I wondering if a 10gal sump/refugium will be large enough for the tank. I will have a big middle section filled with "miracle mud" and some algae. Main question is will the sump be adequate for the 55gal.

Oscaror · Sep 3, 2015

Think bout how much of the 10 gallon will be full of water, probaably about 6-7 gallons of it only, then if you're trying to maximize refugium space the biggest you'll be able to do is probably 4 gallons, that just isn't enough to make a noticeable difference. I'd recommend a 25-30 gallon sump for a tank your size with a refugium 15 gallons minimum.

Good luck with your build

steelheader.262 · Sep 3, 2015

Bigger is always better.

jayjigga · Sep 3, 2015

Is the 10G due to stand space limitations? A 20L would be a better sump if you can fit it, just because it's hard to get anything into a 10G. Are you planning on putting a HOB skimmer instead of an in-sump one?

schmoore89 · Sep 3, 2015

It is due to space issues. If I would have thought about it I would have looked for a tank stand with more width. The stand is 12in wide. I know new reefer probs.

yes I will have a HOB skimmer.

thehammer1985 · Sep 3, 2015

Ha I made the same mistake with my first tank actually it was exactly the same scenario. 55 and I could only fit 12 in. I can think of 3 solution s for you . 1 custome build your own sump...it's not hard and is a good tank to practice on due to low outward forces. 2 have someone build it should be cheap bc of the size. 3 and the more difficult option that I went with (don't know why) take out the back brace and support with am idea in mind that would all sump to clear but maintain rigidity

Trex · Sep 4, 2015

I would pass. Think about what would happen when you shut down the main pump (( or the power goes out )), there won't be enough room in the 10 gallon to handle the extra water.

My 65 has a 20 long sump, and that is the minimum size I feel comfortable with --- not just from a filtration/equipment stand point, but from mainly from holding the excess water stand point. FYI --- wouldn't trust a check valve to stop the water from going back into the sump --- it will fail.

schmoore89 · Sep 4, 2015

I'm confused. If the power goes how will the sump overflow? Surely there isn't that much water in the hose work to overflow the sump.....

Trex · Sep 4, 2015

The water will flow back into the sump until the siphon breaks. Not just the water in the pipes.

If the tank's water level drops just 2 inches that will be about 6 gallons of water going back into the sump --- in addition to the running level, which would be more than 4 gallons, so the sump will over flow.