Sump Volume and Return Pump for 265 Gallon

[Hugh Mann]

This is going to be my first tank with a sump, buying it used and it's all in great shape, except it is missing the return pump.

Fellow said he was originally using a 40 gallon sump, but then it was damaged and moved to a 20. Is 20 still a sufficient size, or should I replace it with a larger volume? What exactly goes in the sump anyways? Skimmer, heater, refugium, what about filtration? My only experience is with Hobs.

Return Pump, what would be the ideal flow rate for a 265? Good brands?

I know I have a big learning curve on this one, but that is half the fun of this hobby!

 

[Gablami]

IMO a 20g sump for a 265g DT is insufficient. Sure it will technically work, meaning water will go down, and water will come back up (with a return pump), but the purpose of a sump is more than that.

A barebones sump probably has a heater or two into, and a return pump. You would like to fit a skimmer and/or refugium or something like that. Some people run reactors. A 20g sump would be really close to overflowing if you turn off your return pump (depending on where your return lines and overflow levels are). You could install check valves but that’s another step and they are potentially unreliable given enough time.

A 40g breeder tank from PetCo when they go on sale is pretty cheap, and would really give you more options for a budget sump. You could even go much bigger than that, but not essential.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Just going to be a fish only, so probably won't need much in the way of reactors, but definitely skimmer and refugium.

There's room under the stand for even a 55 I think, which I see a ton used for ~$100. Throw in some baffles, and would probably make a good one too.

 

[LDog74]

I have a 225 gallon display with a Trigger 40 gallon sump. 2 Neptune Cor20 return pumps for dual return set up. Everything is working very efficient. Hope this helps.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I would start to follow build threads, follow LDOG74 build thread, same size tank. I would not use a 55 gallon tank for a sump, they are too narrow. Try to get as wide and long as you can fit. Look for a used Fluval SP4 for a return pump, they are great pumps.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I would start to follow build threads, follow LDOG74 build thread, same size tank. I would not use a 55 gallon tank for a sump, they are too narrow. Try to get as wide and long as you can fit. Look for a used Fluval SP4 for a return pump, they are great pumps.

Will do. I'll keep an eye out, maybe even look into building a sump. There's a shop in my town where I can get custom glass/acrylic cut on the cheap.

Looks like a pretty good pump too. Thanks.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I have that pump for my 240 gallon tank, my tank is still dry, waiting on COVID19 rules to be lifted so I can get the tank in the house. I have about 90% of what I need to get it wet.

 

[billwill]

Number 1, 2, and 3 criteria for a sump is to hold all the water in a power outage. Beyond that, it all depends on what you're wanting to do equipment wise in it.

 

[ca1ore]

Assuming it’s a ML265, a standard 70 gallon fits under the stand. Thats the size I used I totally with my ML265.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Number 1, 2, and 3 criteria for a sump is to hold all the water in a power outage. Beyond that, it all depends on what you're wanting to do equipment wise in it.

What do you mean, hold all the water?
Like from the back siphon from the return line? Guess that would depend then on the depth the return is at. I suppose for safety it should be fairly high up..?

Just plan to run skimmer and refugium for the most part. Probably heater too. Nothing overly fancy.

 

[Fishresponse]

I have a 265 and had a 40g sump with a bunch of check valves on the return lines so I wouldn’t have to deal with all the back siphon water. i just upgraded to a tideline that holds 60g of water and is sufficient with the skimmer I have now and any future upgrades. I would recommend something bugger than a 40g capacity as I was always worried about power outages and flooding