Rexxomendations for quiet sump build

[Indytraveler83]

In the planning stages for what will likely be a 90 or 120 gallon (4 ft) tank. I didn't use a sump for my current system, and have regretted it.

I need this to be a (relatively) affordable sump with an extremely quiet pump that produces little mechanical noise. I'm also hoping to run a decent sized refugium on it.

Looking for reccomendations on pumps, sump models (or builds). Also curious about skimmers and if a quiet one can be found, or if it's entirely needed?

The system planned is a mixed reef focusing mostly on lps, nems and a mix of smaller fish.

 

[Quietman]

Any DC submersible will work fine (think Eco Tech S1, Abyzz, etc). If you don't need tons of flow (<3x-5x DT volume/hour) a higher quality AC pump should do ok and be less than half the price. I had a Sicce 2.5 and replaced with Tunze 1073.05 and really can't tell the difference between the two noise wise.

If you want higher flow >5x DT volume, it'll probably have to be DC pump as bigger AC pumps even though can be quiet will have a hum you can detect outside the cabinet if you have really quiet house.

 

[Idoc]

I have a Varios6 on my 75g tank...dead quiet.

Also, how you setup your plumbing will effect the loudness of your system. A Herbie or Bean Animal drain design will give a very quiet system.

I used a 40g breeder for a sump and built it myself with a few cut glass pieces from a glass company.

 

[Scurvy]

Yep, on a budget then the Jabao DC pumps are a fine place to start. Reliability can be hit or miss but many folks use them without a problem. Ive had one die in a year and another go for 3 or 4. Quiet and affordable.

for the sump if your DIY savvy you could grab a 40 breeder at petco dollar sale for half price and grab a Fiji cube or comparable baffle kit.

Fiji Cube Sump Baffle Kit - 40 Gallon Breeder

This DIY sump kit is designed to convert a 40 gallon breeder glass aquarium tank into a fully functional sump. Please see this sump baffle DIY build thread here. Features: Integrated filter sock holders that can hold three 4” filter bags Filter sock silencers to lower the noises caused by water...

www.fijicube.com

 

[BornHandy]

I am running the Neptune cor 20 on a 75g. Bean animal overflow, 90% run rate, and it's super quiet. You need an overflow box capable of that kind of flow, but if you have it, you can expect silent operating.

My skimmer, on the other hand... I have the vertex omega 130, and it's a constant buzz - even on a silicone mat. If I had it all to go over, I would have bought a different skimmer for sure.

To be fair, it's not super loud, but on a tank that's near dead silent, it stands apart...

 

[Indytraveler83]

Great suggestions so far. I appreciate the links. I'd be fine with the DIY kit, if that's the cheapest way to get a good sump. A 40 gal breeder would be a good size for sure.

What's the opinions on skimmers for such a sump? Any good quiet ones? Is there any way to design a sump that a skimmer isn't needed? Seems like skimmers are always the flat out loudest part of the system.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

For a skimmer I would look at the Bubble Magnus Curve 7

 

[yeldarbj]

I have a Varios6 on my 75g tank...dead quiet.

Also, how you setup your plumbing will effect the loudness of your system. A Herbie or Bean Animal drain design will give a very quiet system.

I used a 40g breeder for a sump and built it myself with a few cut glass pieces from a glass company.

Idoc has the right idea. Start with the overflow plumbing. If you don't get that right, your sump will not be quiet. I did a Bean Animal version, and it's been great. Also, as mentioned above, a cheap glass tank 40g or 29g with simple baffles is all you really need for the sump itself.

Return pumps depend on the budget. I used a Tunze 1073.04 for a decade. It's rock solid and quiet. I can't say a bad thing about it, but I just replaced it with a Reef Octopus Varios4. The Varios is a touch quieter, but the biggest difference that amazed me is the lack of vibration with the Various.

You don't have to have a skimmer. You can also use an algae turf scrubber (ats) for nutrient export. I use an ats, but I also run an undersized skimmer at times. Quiestest skimmer I've used is AquaMaxx with internal pump.

 

[Indytraveler83]

Now with all of this said, what is the most space efficient I can be? Is a 40b the smallest you'd reccomend, or can I go smaller? Hoping to squeeze a frag tank and/or qt in the stand as well.

 

[Mical]

For a skimmer I would look at the Bubble Magnus Curve 7

You could use Bubble Magus Curve 5 for it - I run one on my 120. I also use a Mag 12 pump and CPR sump