first time buying a sump...... help!?!?!?!?!

[welsher7]

The family and I just relocated and at the start of the year and I'm finally at the point where I'm working on the tank setup, a rimless 60g cube. In the past I have always repurposed smaller tanks and ran open sumps without baffles, it worked but always felt messy to me. This time. I want to use a manufactured sump and try to keep things clean. I want to spend $250-$275ish. I plan on using an old deltec MCE600 skimmer in the sump as the skimmer.


Somatic 60
Pros: includes newer skimmer, small foot print
Cons: no refugium, no top off compartment, bare bones, more money for accessories

Trigger Crystal 30x12x15
Pros: Refugium
Cons: larger foot print, bare bones

SKIMz UP21
Pros: Small foot print, top off compartment, probe holders, dosing holders
Cons: no refugium

eShopps R-100 3rd Gen
Pros: refugium, can be used if I upgrade,
Cons: no top off compartment,

eShopps Medium Cube
Pros: refugium, small foot print
Cons: no top off compartment, rectangular filter socks, higher price point


What do you guys think is the best choice for my price point.

 

[Jimbo662]

I was using Skimz sumps but discovered that if you decided you don't want to use filter socks you end up with a loud waterfall noise. I got a Trigger for my newest build and love it. It's been running since mid Dec and so far no complaints.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

The problem with a HOB skimmer is that sump water level must be very high, and second you have a very limited work area to work with and I do not think it will work or will be very difficult to pull off.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/crystal-cube-18-trigger-systems.html This is the one that I wanted buy will not fit under my stand. And it is on sale as well.

 

[topjimmy]

I really like my trigger emerald 26. I use the first chamber for the skimmer, second has heater, siporax,and chaeto, third is a second heater and the return pump.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Size matters: The more volume you can add to your system the more resistant it is to chemical imbalances
What return pump?: Make sure there is room for your return pump and skimmer. Some of the chambers for return pumps are small and limit the size of the return pump.
Look: Some of the sumps have special colors and designs that look good. In the end you are paying for them and the life in your sump doesn't care what their sump looks like.

 

[welsher7]

I just ordered the trigger systems crystal cube 18. I think it will be a better fit for my stand and looks like the refugium volume is larger in the cube 18 than the crystal 30 I was originally looking at.

I order from auqacave.com and they are including 2lbs of miracle mud for free, so that is a bonus.

Since it is an acyrlic sump it need to put down some kind of foam or mat under the sump, right? What does everyone suggest?


Thanks