Sump for 100g Cube (32 x 32 x 24)

[Samppson]

Hi Everyone,

I am working on my new build, which is a 100g rimless cube with the Reef Synergy Overflow. I love the tank dimensions, super excited as I have always wanted a rimless cube.

One thing I noticed after I picked the tank up that I had not originally thought of, being a cube, its super limiting in terms of what sump I can use. The space below in the stand has a footprint of 24x24, meaning the longest tank I could use would be like a standard 20g. Is it possible to DIY one with some baffles? The overflow is set up for bean animal, so I will have the two drains and the emergency drain.

I think having a section for the drains, then another section for a refugium or skimmer (Not sure if I would have room for both?) and then the next section for the return pump. Any way to feasibly fit in a section for a refugium and another for skimmer? If not, if you had to choose one or the other, which would it be?

If I went one standard 20g sump, I would have enough room for my 5g bucket for ATO as well.

I attached a picture, any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[nereefpat]

Depending on the footprint of your skimmer, you should be able to fit a drain/skimmer and return sections in a 20 tall (not 20 L). You probably will have to use a submersible return pump. A fuge would be tough, in my opinion, but they are valuable. Maybe a turf scrubber would be another option that would take up less room.

 

[Super Fly]

I had same issue w 93 cube so ended up going through the back wall and made my own 29 gal sump that sits behind the wall. Sump currently has drain, refugium and return chambers with the return pump feeding small skimmer (that sits inside refugium) via manifold.

 

[Samppson]

Depending on the footprint of your skimmer, you should be able to fit a drain/skimmer and return sections in a 20 tall (not 20 L). You probably will have to use a submersible return pump. A fuge would be tough, in my opinion, but they are valuable. Maybe a turf scrubber would be another option that would take up less room.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah I think It probably makes most sense to forgo the refugium. Maybe down the road if I really find a need for it, I could extend the stand or something and make some room. Have you ever used the Fijicube baffle kits?

Fiji Cube Sump Baffle Kit - 20 Gallon High

This DIY sump kit is designed to convert an Aqueon 20 gallon high glass aquarium tank into a fully functional sump. Please see the build thread of the 40 Gallon Breeder DIY Sump here. Features: Integrated filter sock holders that can hold two 4” filter bags Filter sock silencers to lower noise...

www.fijicube.com

Im not sure why it says 29 gallon in the link, but the description says for a 20g High tank, which I believe Petco sells for $1 a gallon during the sale.

 

[nereefpat]

I have not used a baffle kit. The two sumps I've built have been 40 breeders that I added glass baffles from my local glass shop.

Yes, as far as i know, Petco still does those sales. I bought a 20L from them maybe a year and a half ago.

 

[Samppson]

Makes sense, yeah the last time I made a sump I did a 40 breeder with glass from a glass shop, I do have one in the area, maybe I will send them a message and compare the pricing. Are bubble traps worth it? Last time I made mine, I had one, but not sure if it makes sense or much of a difference especially with the limited spaced in the 20g high.

 

[Silent]

Trigger systems has really good sumps that will work in your space. They even have sumps specifically designed for cubes.

 

[nereefpat]

Are bubble traps worth it? Last time I made mine, I had one, but not sure if it makes sense or much of a difference especially with the limited spaced in the 20g high.

If you are running a skimmer, I think they are worth it. Baffles keep bubbles from the drain and skimmer form getting back into the display. The baffles also keep the water level in the drain/skimmer chamber constant. Some folks do run sumps without baffles, though. Without might work well in a long sump.

 

[Samppson]

If you are running a skimmer, I think they are worth it. Baffles keep bubbles from the drain and skimmer form getting back into the display. The baffles also keep the water level in the drain/skimmer chamber constant. Some folks do run sumps without baffles, though. Without might work well in a long sump.

Ok, Yeah probably better off. So I would need 4 panes of glass correct? 1 from drain area to skimmer, 3 for bubble trap between skimmer return? Correct me if I am wrong.

Also, Im currently using an ATO in my display tank (17G nano) How does this change when using a sump? Does the sensor go somewhere in the sump or still in the display tank? Im using a Reef Breeders ATO for reference.

 

[nereefpat]

Ok, Yeah probably better off. So I would need 4 panes of glass correct? 1 from drain area to skimmer, 3 for bubble trap between skimmer return? Correct me if I am wrong.

Also, Im currently using an ATO in my display tank (17G nano) How does this change when using a sump? Does the sensor go somewhere in the sump or still in the display tank? Im using a Reef Breeders ATO for reference.

Mine uses 4 panes. My sump is 3 sections: Drain/skimmer -> fuge -> return section. There is an "under, over, under" between the skimmer and fuge sections. Then there is one "over" between the fuge and return sections. I don't know if this is the best way...it's just how I decided to silicone the glass in place.

ATO sensor goes into the return section of the sump. The return section is the only water level that fluctuates. The display tank and drain section of the sump will have constant water level when the return pump is running.