Converting Reefer 350 to Triton

aaron186 · May 17, 2018

I just purchased a Reefer 350 (73 gal display) that is arriving on Tuesday. I decided that I want to convert the sump to run Triton. Unfortunately the stock sump wont work. I plan to purchase an aftermarket sump. The size of the cabinet section in the stand makes it a bit challenging space wise. I came up with 2 options and wanted your guys opinion.

Option 1: TS-26 Synergy Reef Sump with a Nyos Quantum 160 Skimmer
https://synergyreef.com/product/synergy-reef-ts-26-triton-method-sumps-refugium-sump/
The skimmer will be a tight fit as it is 7.2 inches wide and the sump width is 7.5 but it should fit as the water is pulled in from front of skimmer not side.
This option gives me a large oversized skimmer that I can likely use on the next tank if I ever upgrade. The downside is that the refugium section is 8 gallons which is just barely the 10% Triton recommends.

Option 2: Crystal Reef Aquatics Reefer 350 Triton Sump with a Nyos 120 Quantum skimmer
https://crystalreefaquatics.com/products/red-sea-replacement-sump-rsrs-350-reef-sump
The 160 wont fit in the skimmer section of this sump so I would have to go with the 120. I believe the 120 should still be enough skimmer but I am not sure. The refugium on this sump is 18 gallons

I chose the nyos skimmers because of their considerably smaller footprints and silent running. I am open to an alternative skimmer but it needs to be silent

Any insights you guys have would be greatly appreciated

aaron186 · May 17, 2018

Im leaning towards option 2. Is a Nyos 120 enough skimmer for a 73 gal tank?

drtrash · May 18, 2018

Smaller skimmer would be better since the fuge will strip most nutrients out, i ended up buying synergy 34", just a little more refined than crystal but a coin toss for most

tastyfish · May 18, 2018

Both are pretty sumps, but personally, I'm not enamored by either. Option two would be better, but personally, I'd see if you can have something custom made that will include a large refugium (15% tank volume) with no impediment of flow from the drains and a decent weir comb.

You will also need to think about there to site reactors in addition to your skimmer, and ensure that the section is large enough to remove and replace the skimmer without 45 mins of fumbling and swearing.

Just my two pennies worth having custom designed a triton sump and run it for a number of years.