Sump for 120g

[Emery]

Ok so I'm in the middle of my 120g build. I have a trigger systems ruby 30 and a 40 breeder and I do t know which to use.

-The Trigger sump is only 25 gallons and to me it just seems small for a 120g display. All my equipment fits snugly, I'm just worried about an overflow during a power outage.

-The 40 breeder barely fits in my stand, and gives ease of mind when it comes to the overflow issue during a power outage. The only issue here is getting my skimmer and internal calcium reactor in and out for maintenance. I can't take them out the front because of the size of the 40 breeder and how it lines up with my opening. But I can pull the tank away from the wall, and pull the equipment out the back way.

Has anyone ran a trigger ruby 30 on a tank this size? If so how'd it go during power outages?

Which would you put on your system?

 

[Texas Reefer]

New stand? I've got a 50 g for my 120, and it's great.

 

[clsanchez77]

I personally think the trigger 30 is too small. I run a trigger emerald 34 on my 110. You might think 110 and 120 are close, but its the surface area that matters, not the volume. My 110 is the same footprint of a 75 and thus during a pump off, is much less water than you.

I would either custom build something with the 40 or go for a Trigger 39. I personally like the Trigger sumps and would find the money.

 

[Emery]

Yea I build the stand n canopy, so that's not getting changed. Thought I had plenty of room for the 40 breeder which I do, I just can't get equipment in and out. I'll have to figure something out.

 

[Emery]

This pic kindve shows how tight the 40 fits

 

[EthanDouglas]

Maybe cut a panel out on one of the sides of the stand? You can add a door to it for aesthetic purposes and it would give you a way to slide the entire sump out for maintenance, if need be. Depending on how your stand is constructed, you would still have enough structure to support the weight of the tank.

 

[SirMilo]

Due to my stand size and all of the gear under the stand, I had to run an Emerald 34 with my 120. I realize yours is a Ruby 30.
I run 8.5" water level in return pump section and 9.5" level in skimmer/fuge sections. I have a 3" increase in sump water level when going into feed mode (return off) and this still allows an additional 3.5" to 4" to the top of the sump.

If it were me, I would go with the sump that is easier to get your equipment in and out of.

 

[clsanchez77]

What about building a glass sump with the same footprint as the 40gB but with shorter walls. Great feedback from @SirMilo; after all if you can't get the equipment out, than you are not likely to maintain it.

 

[renato120]

I have a 40g breeder sump. I have enough space for everything including a refugium, and a big skimmer.
The best thing I have done!

 

[renato120]

What about building a glass sump with the same footprint as the 40gB but with shorter walls. Great feedback from @SirMilo; after all if you can't get the equipment out, than you are not likely to maintain it.

Shorter walls are not always a good idea. Water can overflow when the return pump is off.