Nano vs Cube Sump

[Grunts & Groans]

Ok guys!!! Like mentioned in first post...I will be asking for help along the way...and well here it goes...so having a cube aquarium has its own unique challenges...And the biggest of which is fitting all the required equipment under the stand...So I have decided on an eshopps refugium/sump in particular because it is the only one i have found so far that actually will fit under my tank, however not with out some pre-planning....But my biggest question is can anyone tell me why I should get the medium vs nano??? I understand the additional water volume (while not much) could be beneficial I don’t see much difference...the nano is actually more $ but I’m kinda leaning toward the nano because it will provide much needed space under the stand...While there are other options that I could get with out a refugium I will primarily be using for a home for the micro organisms rather then actual nutritient removal since in either case it won’t be big enuff to make a significant impact over my slimmer....

 

[Ron Reefman]

The refugium and the skimmer do different jobs. IMHO it's best if you can have both. If the difference between the tow sump/refugiums is small, then pick the one that suits your desires best.

 

[Peace River]

There may be more skimmer options with the medium because of the size of the skimmer chamber. Also, it is a good idea to review the feedback on BRS. Good luck with whatever direction you choose!

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I have that sump and the Bashea sump as well, the problem with those sumps is the return pump area, it is very small and getting an ATO sensor in there and a small pump as well is tough, very tough. So a Sicce 1-5 barely fits with a Tunze Nano ATO sensor. A 2.0 Sicce does not fit. Another problem with the sump since it is so tight under a stand, you cannot see the return pump area without a mirror and flashlight or good lighting. I used an Aqua Maxx WS-1 skimmer in mine. Your return pump needs to have cover over the inlet of the pump like the Sicce brand not like a Coablt 1200 pump, the pump will pull up to the sump and get stuck on the side, causing the pump to overheat and no water returning your tank.

 

[Goomba_BC]

I have the medium cube sump from eshopps.
If I had to do it again, I would've gotten the Trigger Crystal 18.
The under channel is a pain to clean.
Also I find I don't get consistent flow into my skimmer area as the refugium area flows to much. My skimmer area water level sometimes doesn't get high enough to flow over the weir. Hope that makes sense.

Also the the water level is not adjustable in the the skimmer or refugium areas,