Eshopps 3rd Gen Refugium vs. Trigger Crystal Sump/Refugium

reef208 · May 27, 2015

Eshopps R-200 3rd Gen Refugium:

http://www.aquacave.com/eshopps-refugium-r-200-125-225-gal-3rd-generation.html

Trigger Crystal 30 Sump:

http://www.aquacave.com/trigger-systems-crystal-30-sump.html

Need some help deciding on a sump/refugium for my new 55 gallon reef build. Which one do you guys think is better between these two sump/refugiums? I'm leaning more towards the Trigger because I'm not really digging some of the changes made to the 3rd generation Eshopps refugium. I prefer the drain=>skimmer=>refugium=>return pump process flow vs. the 3rd generations split flow (half the water goes to the refugium, half to the skimmer, and then they meet in the return pump area). Also, with the Eshopps refugium, the refugium area is smaller, you can't really utilize the drain area for anything besides the drain/filter socks, and the return pump area is tiny.

Any thoughts? Is there something great about the design of the Eshopps 3rd generation that I'm missing which would make it better than the trigger?

Thanks.

Hellsinki · May 28, 2015

I'm in the same boat. Upgrading to a DSA neo 65. Trying to decide between the R100 and R200. Haven't found much feedback on the 3rd gen eshopps

jujumomo67 · May 28, 2015

reef208 said:
Eshopps R-200 3rd Gen Refugium:

http://www.aquacave.com/eshopps-refugium-r-200-125-225-gal-3rd-generation.html

Trigger Crystal 30 Sump:

http://www.aquacave.com/trigger-systems-crystal-30-sump.html

Need some help deciding on a sump/refugium for my new 55 gallon reef build. Which one do you guys think is better between these two sump/refugiums? I'm leaning more towards the Trigger because I'm not really digging some of the changes made to the 3rd generation Eshopps refugium. I prefer the drain=>skimmer=>refugium=>return pump process flow vs. the 3rd generations split flow (half the water goes to the refugium, half to the skimmer, and then they meet in the return pump area). Also, with the Eshopps refugium, the refugium area is smaller, you can't really utilize the drain area for anything besides the drain/filter socks, and the return pump area is tiny.

Any thoughts? Is there something great about the design of the Eshopps 3rd generation that I'm missing which would make it better than the trigger?

Thanks.

I have the trigger and it's awsome

jolt · May 28, 2015

I looked at the Eshopps and the thing I am a little concerned about is it looks like there is a section of the sump you could *never* get into to clean out. A tiny section where water flows underneath a chamber. Did I see that right in the pictures?

Akida17th · May 28, 2015

I have the 3rd gen Eshopps R200 for my 93 framless cube. I haven't installed it yet but my LFS had one running and it was seriously quiet and very accessible. I liked how the skimmer section was completely separate from the sock section so no more tipping my skimmer over to change my sock out. Pretty solid build also. I was never a huge Eshopps fan but they seem to be going in a new direction with a new product line. I was deciding between a trigger 26 emerald or the Eshopps. I think either way you go whether it's the Trigger systems or Eshopps you'll be happy. Regarding the canal to the skimmer section it isn't the largest area but you do have room to get in there and clean with a brush or whatever you use. Good luck!

reef208 · May 28, 2015

Yeah

Hellsinki said:
I'm in the same boat. Upgrading to a DSA neo 65. Trying to decide between the R100 and R200. Haven't found much feedback on the 3rd gen eshopps

Yeah I agree...there is almost no feedback. Not even a youtube video showing it working.

Well, since the Eshopps 3rd Gen R-200 was offered to me at the same price as the Trigger sump, I'll be the guinea pig and try it out. My only main concern now is if there will be enough flow in the refugium section to prevent it from being a stagnant cyanobacteria factory, but that's fixable with a small powerhead at least worst case.

Hellsinki · May 31, 2015

I ordered the 3rd gen R100.. it arrived my LFS yesterday.. hoping to have time to pick it up tomorrow. I'll do a build thread for my new tank soon with info and pics.

reef208 · May 31, 2015

Nice.

I don't know when or if I'm even getting mine. I'm starting to think ordering it from Aquacave was a huge mistake.

Akida17th · May 31, 2015

I have one for sale BRAND NEW R200 if interested? Bought for my tank but had to break down. Never opened $250 shipped if interetsed

Hellsinki · Jun 2, 2015

not to jack the thread, but my R100 arrived, just picked it up from my LFS yesterday. My new tank is not set up yet as I'm moving, but the R100 looks epic, can't wait to have it set up.

reef208 · Jun 2, 2015

Congrats!

If Aquacave doesn't ship mine today, I'm canceling the order and filing a Paypal dispute. This place is a joke and I will never do business with them again.

jolt · Jun 2, 2015

What is the thickness of the acrylic on those 3rd gens?

reef208 · Jun 2, 2015

Ok, got my tracking info finally, but man...Aquacave needs to communicate better.

seastar · Jun 14, 2015

Hey @reef208, I have a few items coming from them as well, did they just not share the tracking info timely or were they slow to ship it?

reef208 · Jun 14, 2015

seastar said:
Hey @reef208, I have a few items coming from them as well, did they just not share the tracking info timely or were they slow to ship it?

It took 2 days just for them to let me know the item I ordered was out of stock. They were very kind in at least offering to upgrade the item for the same price. After I gave the ok to do the upgrade I never heard back from them. I sent a couple emails and never heard back, so finally called them the next Monday (one week after placing the initial order). After talking with the owner on the phone they told me they'd get it shipped and if I remember correctly it shipped the next day. It got here very fast, like in 2 days, so I think they upgraded the shipping.

I don't know why I had the experience I did given so many people say how fast their order shipped and how great they are. Unfortunately the experience was annoying enough that I will stick with Premium Aquatics and Dr Foster Smith.

Hellsinki · Jun 26, 2015

Put a little work into my R100 today. One gallon of mineral mud installed in the fuge. I'll let it settle for a day or 2. Nice froth lol

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1435295434.229438.jpg

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1435295515.428566.jpg

joshbbert · Jun 26, 2015

I love that sump so much lol just set mine up too makes almost no noise everything is very accessible and the fuge is white so I lights up like times square with minimal light