Sump Help

[FishFinatic ;)]

So... I have an 120 gallon tank that I bought about a year ago and hasn't even been set up yet (life has gotten crazy) but I'm so stuck on the sump and not sure whether I should make one myself, if so... what do I even do? Or do I spend the money and buy one, if so.... which one? Anyone have any ideas? Feel free to post pics of your sumps and all the inner workings of your tank too!

 

[BestMomEver]

Buy.... unless you have very specific (and a plan) details in mind. It’s easier, quicker and may be cheaper depending, of course, on what you need.

 

[MSB123]

I bought 2 sumps, and customized them to my needs.
Water flows into the first sump, and goes through dual 100 micron filter socks, then it goes through a 15 gallon fuge, then my probes with 2 pumps for my UV sterilizer and my carbon reactor, then through a 1” tube, then into my seccond sump- my skimmer and return pump

 

[FishFinatic ;)]

Buy.... unless you have very specific (and a plan) details in mind. It’s easier, quicker and may be cheaper depending, of course, on what you need.

Thank you... how much should I expect to spend on a sump??

 

[MSB123]

Thank you... how much should I expect to spend on a sump??

For a 125?
$300-600, depending on quality

 

[BestMomEver]

Thank you... how much should I expect to spend on a sump??

I guess that depends on what you get. Look at websites like www.glasscages.com. They can make something specific to your needs at reasonable prices. I’m sure there are other companies that do custom stuff too.

 

[FishFinatic ;)]

Omg you guys are lifesavers! I'll DEFINITELY check that out! Thanks so much!

 

[nereefpat]

I would get a 40 breeder from Petco for about 50$. Then have a glass shop cut you some 1/4" glass for baffles (20-30$). Then buy some GE silicone, and a bulkhead if going with an external pump.

You would be well under 100$. It's just a sump to add volume and hide equipment. I don't get why people would spend money on it...just my opinion.

 

[FishFinatic ;)]

Yea.. ya know... I would rather spend $100 than say, $400, but I'm just not sure how to go about building it...

 

[FishFinatic ;)]

I'm so on the fence about it... sometimes I'm like "Buy one 100%" and sometimes I think I should just build one myself.... that's why I'm having such an issue deciding what to do LOL

 

[MSB123]

I'm so on the fence about it... sometimes I'm like "Buy one 100%" and sometimes I think I should just build one myself.... that's why I'm having such an issue deciding what to do LOL

If you want something nice, look at
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sumps-tanks-refugiums/sumps/trigger-systems.html?scrollTo=835

 

[cracker]

Hello Fish Fanatic, it all depends on your budget. A store bought will be more pricey . However they come in a myrid of shapes & dimensions . Be sure to checkout the chamber sizes & most important , how much room do You have in the stand. an aquarium would be much more reasonably priced. Even find a used one on craigs list or such . Take some sandpaper to the edges of the cut glass they a very sharp & could cut you good !

 

[alanbetiger]

Look at a LFS, often you can find used sumps there or local clubs for half the cost.
Personally I would only buy new if you had very specific needs because of looks or dimensions. otherwise buying used is cheaper than building one

 

[Jesterrace]

So... I have an 120 gallon tank that I bought about a year ago and hasn't even been set up yet (life has gotten crazy) but I'm so stuck on the sump and not sure whether I should make one myself, if so... what do I even do? Or do I spend the money and buy one, if so.... which one? Anyone have any ideas? Feel free to post pics of your sumps and all the inner workings of your tank too!

As mentioned by Alan, go to your LFS and find a used sump as you will often find the equipment with it less than the cost of a new sump tank itself. I bought my setup with the stand, all plumbing, protein skimmer, return pump, 29 gallon sump with baffle partitions for $250.

Here is mine: