Lost when it comes to sumps....

royaleFork · May 13, 2014

Hi,

I am just getting started in the hobby and am working on just getting the parts and equipment right now. I have a 55 gallon tank and will get getting the stand in a few days. The next thing I want to get is the sump tank. I am not really sure what to get or make and I plan on using an overflow and not drilling. Should I just look around my lfs or are there better options?

Thanks!

mcarroll · May 13, 2014

Most sumps are built to generic standards and are too complex, too limited and too hard to clean.

I much prefer starting with a bare tank (glass or otherwise) that I can customize as I need as time goes on. I don't do baffles.

-Matt

Waters · May 13, 2014

royaleFork said:
Hi,

I am just getting started in the hobby and am working on just getting the parts and equipment right now. I have a 55 gallon tank and will get getting the stand in a few days. The next thing I want to get is the sump tank. I am not really sure what to get or make and I plan on using an overflow and not drilling. Should I just look around my lfs or are there better options?

Thanks!

I am not sure about your LFS, but I find MUCH better prices and choices on-line if you are purchasing a pre-made sump and overflow. I highly recommend the Trigger Systems Crystal Sumps and Eshopps overflows. They are both very well made and have a few different models to suit whatever it is that you are looking for. That being said, I am sure there are numerous makes that would work just as well. Yes, you can make your own for much cheaper but I like the looks of a nice pre-made acrylic sump

KSzegi · May 13, 2014

mcarroll said:
Most sumps are built to generic standards and are too complex, too limited and too hard to clean.

I much prefer starting with a bare tank (glass or otherwise) that I can customize as I need as time goes on. I don't do baffles.

-Matt

+1 Gotta agree! Went to a bare tank on my most recent upgrade, primarily to keep the cost down on a large sump - and it has worked out so much better than any pre-made sump. Has sold me on 'baffle-less' too!!

bond300 · May 13, 2014

Hello,

I always try to tell folks you can have a nice setup without breaking the bank! For example my 90G is not drilled and no sump. My money went on my skimmer and liverock.

Bad Company · May 13, 2014

I made my own sump from a $30 20gallon tank and about $40 in plexi-glass and silicone. You do not need it to be complicated or expensive. Cracks me up when somebody spends $200 on a top off container!