Sump layout.

scooter24 · Aug 5, 2015

What are the pros and cons for the skimmer to be in the return chamber of a sump? A fellow reefer has a proflex modle 2 sump for sale and the only place to really put the skimmer is in the return chamber. Just curious as to if this can cause problems in the future if u decide to use calcium ractor or other forms of dosing. Thanks!

143MPCo · Aug 5, 2015

The biggest "con" I know of when I owned one was the transfer of microbubbles into the DT.

Personally I dislike the overall build quality of that sump, out of the box it had issue with the welded internal baffles.

evolved · Aug 5, 2015

^ That, and it's tough to get good skimmer performance when the water level it's sitting in is in a constant state of flux.

scooter24 · Aug 5, 2015

Yea I have this gut feeling tthat I need to pass on it. Idk if i just wana build another sump or buy one. I don't mind building them just saw this and was trying to do a little reaserch on it.

143MPCo · Aug 5, 2015

scooter24 said:
Idk if i just wana build another sump or buy one. I don't mind building them just saw this and was trying to do a little reaserch on it.

To say I like DIY sumps is a bit of an understatement but, I also sometime like to go the prefab route... IMHO, take a look at the Trigger Systems the build quality is really good and in the yrs I have owned the one I have it has been rock solid... They will also make custom sumps designed to your exact specifications and best part is it comes with a warranty.

scooter24 · Aug 5, 2015

Yea I have looked k to them before and would love to get a sump by trigger, but I am a college student on a budget. I do my best to be able to afford thus hoby and thsee sumps are pretty price to a college student.

143MPCo · Aug 5, 2015

If I'm not mistaken Petco $1 a gallon tank sale is going on right now, they make great DIY sumps and will save you some money!

scooter24 · Aug 5, 2015

Not saying it's not an option just have to make sure I prioritize my money good ha. But yea a sump is not always needing to look pretty so that's why I was thinking about just doing another diy. But the triggers are nice!

mcarroll · Aug 7, 2015

scooter24 said:
What are the pros and cons for the skimmer to be in the return chamber of a sump? A fellow reefer has a proflex modle 2 sump for sale and the only place to really put the skimmer is in the return chamber. Just curious as to if this can cause problems in the future if u decide to use calcium ractor or other forms of dosing. Thanks!

My 30 long is one giant return chamber with an Ultralife ATO (standard electronic float-nothing fancy) and I've never had a problem with any skimmer I've run. (Oceanic "plus series" Model 6, AquaC EV90 and Tunze 9410)

I would recommend something similar.