sump: eshops or trigger systems

[Neptune 555]

I am looking for a sump for my new 180 gallon. I am debating between he eshopsr300 or the trigger systems emerald 39. I want refugium for two mandarins and nitrate control / space for an awesome skimmer / heater. pro / con on each please?

thx
Neptune

 

[Water Dog]

Go with the Trigger. The Eshopps R series have an odd flow layout with the refugium section being almost stagnant. Futhermore, the return section, which is blocked from view behind the refugium (a maintenance nightmare) is tiny, limiting you on return pump choices. I have owned both the Eshopps R-200 and the Trigger 26 and much prefer the more traditional layouts of the Trigger refugium Sumps.