NEW(ish) REEFER!

alimac122 · Apr 4, 2020

Hi guys! COVID has forced me to start up (another) hobby!

I was a marine biologist at an aquarium for 4 years, 4 years ago. Since then I quit working at the aquarium to get my masters in environmental engineering.
Now that I have down time I am really missing getting my arms wet.

So, I bought a 40gallon setup off facebook marketplace and converting it from fresh to salt (all new equipment).

I decided to add a HOB overflow to convert the tank to a sump system.
As an aquarist, our sumps were extremely basic--so i am confused as to why these sumps for sale are so expensive.
these compartments are "cool" but completely unnecessary. just use a filter bag, and make sure your return pump is guarded by some floss.
That was our setup..... simple!

so if anyone can explain the benefit to purchasing a divided sump that costs $250+ that would be great because I am truly confused.

fishguy242 · Apr 4, 2020

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here!
lots of fun/info/fun/help/fun!!!
pics!!...we all love pics!!!!

AcroNem · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome! I was also at a public aquarium for 4 years, good to have you here.

If you can use something else as a sump I personally see no need to spend that kind of cash on one. You know how utilitarian sumps and some equipment can be and still work well.

Billldg · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!! You could use a 20 gal tank and build a sump.

Dr. Phil · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R! I agree sumps are ridiculously priced. However, one advantage is that you can have water at different levels in a divided sump so that level sensitive equipment (e.g. skimmers) can be at the correct depth.

Peace River · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Gernader · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!

Crabs McJones · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Mr_Knightley · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef, and to the hobby!
Good luck and God bless you!

Niteowl · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R.

fuelman · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

albano · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome... for past 20+ years, I’ve been using old tanks and plastic tubs as sumps.., fancy sump is of no value to me.

mich2599 · Apr 4, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Brandon Smith · Apr 4, 2020

I build my own simple sumps out of 40B's.

KrisReef · Apr 4, 2020

alimac122 said:
Hi guys! COVID has forced me to start up (another) hobby!

I was a marine biologist at an aquarium for 4 years, 4 years ago. Since then I quit working at the aquarium to get my masters in environmental engineering.
Now that I have down time I am really missing getting my arms wet.

So, I bought a 40gallon setup off facebook marketplace and converting it from fresh to salt (all new equipment).

I decided to add a HOB overflow to convert the tank to a sump system.
As an aquarist, our sumps were extremely basic--so i am confused as to why these sumps for sale are so expensive.
these compartments are "cool" but completely unnecessary. just use a filter bag, and make sure your return pump is guarded by some floss.
That was our setup..... simple!

so if anyone can explain the benefit to purchasing a divided sump that costs $250+ that would be great because I am truly confused.

Simple answer, the high tech sump is made for the reef market. A simple box can't command an insanely high price.

Also, having some compartments is nice, one for the skimmer, or a reactor, and return pump separation serves to keep bubbles and flotsam from causing issues in the system. All these same services can be accomplished in a no-baffles-sump but folks like to make their reef tank systems as high-tech as any other sewage treatment plant, perhaps?

Welcome to Reef2Reef.