How loud are sumps?

[KryptonsLast]

Is it possible for them to be as quiet as an AIO? I was set on an AIO but I keep seeing everyone push for sumps. I'm considering it if they're reasonably quiet because I am sensitive to distracting noises. I understand any system will make some degree of sound but if it's something that out competes the TV for example or I can hear it is in my bedroom with the door closed then that's a no go.

Thanks!

 

[ReefRusty]

If you have it set up right with a efficient pump and good flow that it doesn't sound like Niagara falls then you will be right. Mine has an open back and honeslty can't really hear much of anything. Wife complained about the power head whine but that was because I had it on intervals @80% drop it to 60% and shes happy haha

 

[Sam816]

It will need adjusting but they can be dead silent. Invest in a good gate valve if you are doing the plumbing yourself.

 

[dmy535]

My reefer 250 is so quiet that sometimes I need to double check it’s running!

 

[KryptonsLast]

It will need adjusting but they can be dead silent. Invest in a good gate valve if you are doing the plumbing yourself.

My plan was going to be a Waterbox one way or the other. Those come already plumbed so I don't have to worry. If I had to do it myself it would be AIO all the way.lol

 

[KryptonsLast]

My reefer 250 is so quiet that sometimes I need to double check it’s running!

Good to know. I was looking at Reefer at one point but I'm probably going to do a Waterbox. They both seem to be great quality so I imagine they can be just as quiet.

 

[LgTas]

My waterbox is almost dead quiet when adjusted correctly

 

[dmy535]

I almost got a WB..

 

[KryptonsLast]

My waterbox is almost dead quiet when adjusted correctly

Cool. What size tank do you have?

 

[ReefRusty]

I have the 70.2 and yes very quite and love the fact its so quite. My old gold fish tank was louder and was only a 40L

 

[LgTas]

Cool. What size tank do you have?

It's a Marine X 90.3

I have the 70.2 and yes very quite and love the fact its so quite. My old gold fish tank was louder and was only a 40L

My external canister filter was way louder. Very impressed.

 

[KryptonsLast]

I have the 70.2 and yes very quite and love the fact its so quite. My old gold fish tank was louder and was only a 40L

I keep talking myself into larger and larger despite never having a tank before.lol. I was looking at the 90.3. There are too many larger tanks that just look so good and I want too many fish for some of the original smaller tanks I was looking at. I sometimes go too hard so I'm still in the research phase. I worry I'll be taking on too much maintenance. How is it on your tank? They're probably pretty close in volume. The 90 is 60 gallons in the display.

 

[KryptonsLast]

It's a Marine X 90.3

My external canister filter was way louder. Very impressed.

That is literally the one I was talking myself into because it seems like it would be a good size for all the fish I've fallen in love with without sacrificing their well being with room for some coral. How's the maintenance for you?

 

[New&no clue]

I have an AIO and it’s louder then my tank with a sump. I find that because it’s out in the open you hear the trickling of water over the baffled. Also the equipment hum seems louder. With a sump it’s in a cabinet so it blocks more sound.

 

[KryptonsLast]

I have an AIO and it’s louder then my tank with a sump. I find that because it’s out in the open you hear the trickling of water over the baffled. Also the equipment hum seems louder. With a sump it’s in a cabinet so it blocks more sound.

I was thinking that with everything being in the cabinet that if it was somewhat loud you could slap on some type of padding to dampen sound

 

[vsolovyev]

loudest thing is the trickle down. It’s not overly loud though, when you start up it will sound pretty loud but once you get a good bacteria build up in the pipes after a week or two it will quiet down a lot, I don’t even notice mine unless I’m right by the tank

 

[ReefRusty]

For my first tank also I wanted the 100.3 however with added cost like another light l, larger pump larger water changes and well larger everything. Much the same a 90.3 you would definitely need 2 lights, woth my 70.2 only 1 radion xr15 g5 pro light. Larger you go the more the setup cost is and more money you spend on corals and fish ect to fill the tank. But definitely go as large as you can handle. Remember double your budget of you already had one. Im extremely happy with my 70.2 and I'm sure @darkreefwill also vouch for this size tank

 

[LgTas]

I keep talking myself into larger and larger despite never having a tank before.lol. I was looking at the 90.3. There are too many larger tanks that just look so good and I want too many fish for some of the original smaller tanks I was looking at. I sometimes go too hard so I'm still in the research phase. I worry I'll be taking on too much maintenance. How is it on your tank? They're probably pretty close in volume. The 90 is 60 gallons in the display.

It's still a fairly new setup but I decided that 90 gal was a good capacity for me as I do water changes using seawater. Anything more and I'd have to do two trips. The sump is well laid out and easy to assemble and adjust.

I did a ton of research on the different brands incl. Redsea and Cade and found that the waterbox was the best fit for me at a decent price. No regrets so far

 

[Phil D.]

I have the red Sea E-260 with the sump upgrade and it's VERY quiet. You can barely hear a trickle with the doors closed.

 

[laverda]

I am on my sofa 10 feet or so from my tank withou the TV on. I can not make out a sound from my 300 gallon tank. If I am paying enough attention every 15 min I do hear the slightest gurgle from my mangrove Lagoon next to my tank when the flow to it first comes on and the overflow starts up. The refrigerator 20 feet away in the kitchen is louder when it is running.
My AIO is louder if the water level is a bit low.