Help setting up first sump

[jamesjohnson2121]

I have a 125 gal I’m about to set up as a soft coral and fish tank. I have never had a sump and I am waiting help from people who know the hobby way better then i do. I was thinking about a 40 breeder. I have a tight budget but i can save a little bit if needed. If anyone can help me with a parts list that would work for my sump that would be great. I have no clue on what i should buy for it. I know i will need a skimmer and i want a place for a refuge. Thank you for helping in advance.

 

[Eric Cohen]

Setting up a refugium will need you to have a tank-in-a-tank type of setup so the flow in and out of the refugium area is slower than the main sump area. There are hang on the back refugium kits you might consider for the refugium instead of doing all the acrylic work yourself. You could however use a plastic shoe box size container to hold mud for the refugium and drop that into your sump. You can drill holes near the top front and back of the container to let water in and out or raise the level of the container just above the water line, and use a small pump to push water into the container, and let it overflow back into the sump. Check out HOB Refugium searches and see what you find. I like to keep it simple otherwise and use a filter sock hangar, and then just a drop in pump for the return. Choose your skimmer that works, and don't get too caught up in the brand name....so many do the job...size and ease of setup/cleaning is key for me. Drop your "quality" heater in, and go. Wish you luck with your new setup! Enjoy the journey!

 

[Screwgunner]

Hob refugiums don't do much . I would go algea turf scrubber no skimmer needed.

 

[slojim]

my sump was meant to be temporary - but it works fine. It's a rubbermaid container. I use a bucket as my skimmer compartment. I have a refugium - its a separate 10g aquarium drilled on the side that overflows into the sump. Purpose-built sumps are great, and I've had to be creative here and there, but if you're trying to save $, it's hard to beat the white 18g rubbermaid container and a bucket - bonus points if you find a free square kitty litter bucket.

 

[Eric Cohen]

Hob refugiums don't do much . I would go algea turf scrubber no skimmer needed.

I actually prefer refugiums to scrubbers, but I've seen both work well....just depends on the setup. That's the beauty of this hobby....lot's of ways to skin the cat