Help! Best sump ?? Lifereef ??

Amateur reefing · May 6, 2019

Hello I recently decided to upgrade my tank I have always had an all-in-one nano tank but now I have a 75 gallon tank that I plan to build I've been searching everywhere for what sump I should go to I Initially had Emerald sump planned but ran into someone with a life reef sump and I gave Jeff a call. His sump seemed promising but I just hate that 3 month wait. What kind of sump do guys run or is life reef worth the wait ?
Every refugium is a must!

mike werner · May 6, 2019

WELCOME TO THE CLUB!!

Crabs McJones · May 6, 2019

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R
I really like the trigger sumps. Going to be running a crystal sump on my 75.

JoshH · May 6, 2019

Loved my lifereef sump on my older setup but I'll be going a different route with my new build. Jeff's quality is pretty solid but I do feel there are better options out there sump wise. As for skimmers though, It was the first skimmer I've ever owned and I'll never buy a different brand.

Peace River · May 6, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!

I am glad that you jumped in and started posting!

mward · May 6, 2019

I had a Lifereef sump years ago and it did me well. It's always tough to waiting. I think it comes down to what will work best for you. I recently just purchased a bashsea sump for my new setup.

Hemmdog · May 6, 2019

I have two trigger emeralds. Amazing sumps. I’ve heard my reef creations (MRC) are “the best”, but they come with the premium price tag.

dbl · May 6, 2019

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing family.

mward · May 6, 2019

Yes they do and again I think the best is whatever works for you. Don't spend anymore than you need to is my thought

W1ngz · May 6, 2019

Make a list of the features/options you want, it will help narrow the list. I just finished shopping for sumps for my system. I went with a Fiji Cube 30 because:
-I wanted a refugium, but it doesn't need to be huge.
-I wanted a skimmer section big enough for my older skimmer that has a large footprint
-I wanted a flow-over floss basket instead of straight down filter sock inlet.
-I liked the blue highlights, which match my blue PVC plumbing.
-I didn't want to pay the extra price for the Trigger sumps with the same or similar features.

Billldg · May 6, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!

Salty Lemon · May 6, 2019

I'm glad you joined us. I once had a 75 gal reef -- it is a good size and you can do a lot with it. Welcome!

Hemmdog · May 6, 2019

Also check Craigslist. Both my trigger sumps were used for $150. 2 hours with water & vinegar, hour with bleach and rodi, air dry. Good as new.

Hemmdog · May 6, 2019

And welcome to reef2reef!

WWIII · May 6, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!! I love my crystalreefaquatics sump! Julian was very good to work with and he's got a lot of really nice features in his "off the shelf" sumps! Congrats on the tank upgrade!

CJS80 · May 7, 2019

Welcome to R2R!! If you are going for a "display" sump go with what you like. If you are going for function any will work. You can always DIY your own out of an old tank or cheap $1 a gallon tank from Petco, and a few pieces of glass.

russell13 · May 7, 2019

You can also look into a custom sump. It really allows you to maximize available space under the tank. Plus you can customize it to your liking and filtering needs. You call talk to John at advance Acrylics and tell him what you’re looking for, I’m sure they can accommodate you. Not sure about wait time and pricing but I can vouch for there quality

User1 · May 7, 2019

Lots of options. There is no best. What works for me, or others here, may not for you. There is a list for a reason - he makes great products. If there wasn't a list and he asked you to wait 2 to 3 months then I'd worry. Be that has it may I'm similar to the person above who commented on the skimmer. I purchased one back in 2000 and I'm still using it today. I even called to ask if it was worth buying a new one. He said no. Same thing only a few small changes that have nothing to do with the skimming performance. He could have sold me a knew one but instead was honest and said to save the money.

I said cool. Called him a month later and asked about a sump and he said sure. So I bought the sump and waited. Good quality which is what I expected. Packaged very well such that it could withstand silly shipping hand or a low yield nuke. My point is that his products work for me and work well. I also like to support small businesses / family owned. I know there are probably other sumps or skimmers that will work just as well, or maybe even better, but this is what I went with.

TL;DR - there is no best. Make a list of options you must have, then a list of options that would be nice but not mission critical. Then look at your growth (upgrade future). Lastly, your budget. Then make a decision.

SPR1968 · May 7, 2019

Welcome to R2R!

Amateur reefing · May 7, 2019

Wow! Thank you everyone that responded! What a turn out! I'm very excited ! I wanted the have it setup already for reefapalooza coming up in August but I think I might wait for my build, I'm getting his sump with his skimmer, media reactor, refugium, and calcium reactor, although I'm not 100% sold on his calcium reactor, I've seen some awesome ones out there !

Amateur reefing · May 7, 2019

Amateur reefing said:
Wow! Thank you everyone that responded! What a turn out! I'm very excited ! I wanted the have it setup already for reefapalooza coming up in August but I think I might wait for my build, I'm getting his sump with his skimmer, media reactor, refugium, and calcium reactor, although I'm not 100% sold on his calcium reactor, I've seen some awesome ones out there !

I still have till the end of this month to change me mind thought, reefing is complicated, I want it alll!