Sump Choices

YellowFinsReef · Apr 11, 2018

I am currently planning to upgrade my tank to around 250-300G. What is a good size and brand sump that I should get? I would like to start looking into it and planning for it already. I'm also open to vendors who can custom order too. Let me know. Thanks!

Crabs McJones · Apr 11, 2018

YellowFinsReef said:
I am currently planning to upgrade my tank to around 250-300G. What is a good size and brand sump that I should get? I would like to start looking into it and planning for it already. I'm also open to vendors who can custom order too. Let me know. Thanks!

What are your plans for the sump as far as reactors, skimmers, refugium, and other equipment?

sbidny · Apr 11, 2018

If you're looking for a decent sump for a great price, take a look at the IceCap 48XL. I am using one in my 300 gallon build.

Crabs McJones · Apr 11, 2018

@YellowFinsReef @sbidny not going to lie, looked at your avatars and thought i was talking to the same person ;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

siggy · Apr 11, 2018

Bashsea

cloak · Apr 11, 2018

An empty aquarium, (maybe a 60 breeder?) no baffles, a VERY efficient skimmer and an ATO. Keep it simple. JMO, GL.

YellowFinsReef · Apr 11, 2018

crabs_mcjones said:
What are your plans for the sump as far as reactors, skimmers, refugium, and other equipment?

Probably a large skimmer, marinepure blocks, and nitrate reactor. I don't plan on refugium.

YellowFinsReef · Apr 11, 2018

sbidny said:
If you're looking for a decent sump for a great price, take a look at the IceCap 48XL. I am using one in my 300 gallon build.

I thought about the icecap too. I love the design. How's it working out for ya?

YellowFinsReef · Apr 11, 2018

cloak said:
An empty aquarium, (maybe a 60 breeder?) no baffles, a VERY efficient skimmer and an ATO. Keep it simple. JMO, GL.

Lol I've honestly thought about getting a black tub and just doing this. Have you tried the empty tank before?

YellowFinsReef · Apr 11, 2018

siggy said:
Bashsea

Looks really high tech. I love it. What's your experience on this brand?

Chef Tommy · Apr 11, 2018

+10 on Bashsea! Saw them at MACNA, one really nice sump. Had the opportunity to chat with the owner too & he was very passionate about his products which totally shows in the craftsmanship. Here is a nice video too.

cloak · Apr 11, 2018

FWIW a beautiful tank can be created with or without a "power plant "that's pictured above IME. Just something to think about.

YellowFinsReef · Apr 11, 2018

cloak said:
FWIW a beautiful tank can be created with or without a "power plant "that's pictured above IME. Just something to think about.

Agreed! You should see my potential stock list. LOL

siggy · Apr 11, 2018

That rocks

sbidny · Apr 11, 2018

YellowFinsReef said:
I thought about the icecap too. I love the design. How's it working out for ya?

Not much data yet. Still building out the tank. I've been happy with the quality and price so far. Biggest disadvantage has been the built-in ATO reservoir, which I don't plan to use. So I'm looking into ways to incorporate that compartment into the rest of the sump. But it gets a thumbs up from me so far.

cloak · Apr 11, 2018

YellowFinsReef said:
Agreed! You should see my potential stock list. LOL

What do you mean?

On a side note; here's an older picture of the 10 gallon sump I have underneath my 20 gallon DT. When I had a 60 gallon DT the sump was a Rubbermaid container and it looked pretty much the same. (about the size of a 40 breeder) If I had a 200 gallon DT the sump underneath would be designed the same way. KISS.

Fin · Apr 11, 2018

I was going to suggest Elite-Aquatics, but I notice their web site is no longer up. I think he may be supplying places like Marine Depot and others vendors with sumps now. Tyler does excellent work and may still do custom builds. I have one of his sumps.

His Facebook page is still active and it looks like he is still doing custom builds. Might contact him there.

Elite-Aquatics Facebook for loads of pics of his custom builds

This is the one he built for me.

siggy · Apr 12, 2018

YellowFinsReef said:
What's your experience on this brand?

I have one on my DT. It was a custom order. I am local so the price was better than many stock sumps. My LFS owner is old buds with him and I got it in two weeks, not quite the color I was expecting but it works. I have seen great pricing and HIGH pricing so shop around.

TexasTodd · Apr 12, 2018

Those sumps are nice but super expensive. If you have a ton of money then go for it. If you're limited at all, I'd do a plain tank and glue in some baffels etc., then spend the money saved on a better skimmer, better lights, more in tank flow, etc. I like a good mixing area, a good settle out area, and a nice big area for a big skimmer (4x plus rating of your total system gallons).