Sump recommendations

SLPMonkey · Apr 5, 2017

Hi everyone!

I currently have a 40B reef tank with two HOB filters that I've had up and running for just about 1 year. I am getting ready to move, and when I move I am going to upgrade my tank! I got a 93 gallon rimless cube, and I have the tank, lights, and a stand. I'm now looking at sumps and trying to figure out what I need. I want the sump to fit in the stand under the tank, so it needs to be under 30in in all directions. I know I'm going to need a skimmer and eventually I want to add a dosing pump. I haven't decided if I want a refugium. I'm looking at the following sumps and I'm having trouble figuring out what the real differences are and how to figure out what would be best for my set up. Any and all advice and opinions are welcome! I'm still pretty new to reefing and am trying to figure it all out. Here is what I was looking at:

Option 1: Eshopps RS-100 (with Eshopps S-Series Premier Line Protein Skimmer S-120?)

Option 2: Eshopps AZU-100 (with Eshopps S-Series Premier Line Protein Skimmer S-120?)

Option 3: Trigger Systems Emerald 20 C (not sure what protein skimmer to use with this one)

Option 4: Trigger Systems Emerald 26 (not sure what protein skimmer to use with this one)

MaddyP · Apr 5, 2017

You don't have it on the list, but you should also consider an Icecap sump. I had the RS-30 under my 40g (see sig) and it was a great sump. No other sumps I've looked at have an ATO reservoir built in. I would still have it but I have since upgraded to a 75g and decided to go with a rollermat sump for the new build.

Jisko · Apr 5, 2017

MaddyP said:
You don't have it on the list, but you should also consider an Icecap sump. I had the RS-30 under my 40g (see sig) and it was a great sump. No other sumps I've looked at have an ATO reservoir built in. I would still have it but I have since upgraded to a 75g and decided to go with a rollermat sump for the new build.

omg thank you! I love you <3 haha my build was a complete mess because I only have about 16x16 inches to work with for my sump... ice cape makes a 15x15x14 sump <3 woohoo haha

only complaint is the ATO spot on it... wish it had a refugium spot

Broadfield · Apr 5, 2017

Option 5: Talk to Tyler @Elite-Aquatics and look at their RRS-22... which has a refugium.

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=58&product_id=45

He will also do baffling in other colors if you don't like the red... additional charges may apply. And if that doesn't fit the bill, he can simply build one to your specs. I have the RS-33 under my tank... I was not in need of a refugium:

Sump by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

Jisko · Apr 5, 2017

Broadfield said:
Option 5: Talk to Tyler @Elite-Aquatics and look at their RRS-22... which has a refugium.

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=58&product_id=45

He will also do baffling in other colors if you don't like the red... additional charges may apply. And if that doesn't fit the bill, he can simply build one to your specs. I have the RS-33 under my tank... I was not in need of a refugium:

Sump by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

eehh a $400 sump is kind of a no go for me most I'll go is around $250

scriptmonkey · Apr 5, 2017

I purchased a Skimz Sumpro UP30 that will arrive tomorrow that I can let you know build quality then. They do make a smaller one too in your price range.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/up22-sumpro-sump-skimz.html

Jisko · Apr 5, 2017

scriptmonkey said:
I purchased a Skimz Sumpro UP30 that will arrive tomorrow that I can let you know build quality then. They do make a smaller one too in your price range.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/up22-sumpro-sump-skimz.html

so far the trigger crystal cube is the winner for me.. it just seems so perfect haha

scriptmonkey · Apr 5, 2017

Jisko said:
so far the trigger crystal cube is the winner for me.. it just seems so perfect haha

Now you are going to make me go look! Lol

Jisko · Apr 5, 2017

scriptmonkey said:
Now you are going to make me go look! Lol

leme know what you think

scriptmonkey · Apr 5, 2017

Looks nice, I remember looking at that one. So if I was going refugium I was going trigger but at the last minute I changed my mind and decided against one for now... If I was going to do a fuge then I wanted a center return so I could control how much flow going through the fuge vs rest of sump. Again, I am a noob as well so could be a unfounded concern but in my head it made sense. I figured if I was going to run Macro Algae then I wanted It slower for more contact time so was going to split off some return and use a gate valve to feed it.

moseley75 · Apr 5, 2017

I looked at all of these sumps. I only have 17.5" inside my stand and none would fit. I finally decided on the Eshoppes cube nano b/c it is only 14x14. It has a refugium. The return pump compartment is plenty big for the pump I want and it has a filter sock. Several skimmers that are right for my 28 gal cube will fit in it too.

scriptmonkey · Apr 5, 2017

I have respect for you guys and gals that can run very successful mini reefs in small tanks. That is a lot of stuff in such a small space to hide equipment wise.