Sumps for large aquariums

[Jcm412]

What is everyone using for their sump or refugium on their large aquariums? I'm am starting a 300 gallon tank. I have been looking at sumps or large refugium. There are not many options for large tanks without going custom or DIY.

Also, I see a lot of people on here stating the total volume of their tank with their sump volume. For example " I have a 300 gallon tank and a 100 gallon sump. My total volume is 400 gallons." In most cases aren't sumps only being filled 7-9 inches, so total water volume is significantly less? Or are folks able to get a much higher water level by using an external skimmer or raising the internal skimmer in the sump?

 

[haanstang]

I have seen it said both ways. My sump would hold 180 gallons full. But working water level I 110 gallons. Same with tanks. I have seen people say the have a tank 125 gallons but with water level a few inches down and measuring on the inside of the tank instead of the out side it is actually 110 gallons. Not to mention the rock and sand taking up water space.

 

[Ashish Patel]

Honestly, its dependent on your stand footprint and budget. I got the icecap sump with the mindset I will be able to use it for future tanks up to 300 gallon. I no how hard it is to add a refugium, reactors, and ATO reservoir later and this sump fits all of my needs. They have a really large one that is 48" long you may want to consider

 

[Young@Heart]

I am building the sump for my 180 G DT. I am using a Reef Octopus Varios 8 2700 GPH Pump (Rated for 265 Gallon - Bit Small for you). I am also including a Reef Octopus 202 S - Protein Skimmer. Both of which are small for you. I don't know if dual pumps or skimmers are a possibility (I have noticed that you typically don't see a lot for anything above a 265). I am building a custom sump tank as well.

 

[Jcm412]

Honestly, its dependent on your stand footprint and budget. I got the icecap sump with the mindset I will be able to use it for future tanks up to 300 gallon. I no how hard it is to add a refugium, reactors, and ATO reservoir later and this sump fits all of my needs. They have a really large one that is 48" long you may want to consider

Yes, the Ice Cap 48XL is the only sump I have found I like for the $. I wish it was a little bigger.

 

[Jcm412]

For those that have gone the DIY route, are all the baffles and dividers really necessary?

 

[ReeferBud]

For my last two builds, I've had the custom tank manufacturer build me a custom glass sump. They're significantly less expensive than some of the fancy custom sump builders with all the bells and whistles.

For example, for my recent build, I was being quoted ~$1600 from several custom sump builders and the tank builder made me the same size sump for only $600. I had to give up the colorful acrylic, custom probe, R/O and heater holders, designer baffles and all that, which I was more than happy to do for $1000...

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

A lot of people use Rubbermaid stock tanks for large system sumps.

 

[Jcm412]

A lot of people use Rubbermaid stock tanks for large system sumps.

The Rubbermaids crossed my mind too. This kinda goes back to my question about needing baffles in the sump. Would you get a lot of micro bubbles and such?

 

[AlexG]

I prefer to use HDPE tanks for sump tanks. These containers are strong and come in a large variety of sizes. Here is a picture of my first stage 265 gallon sump tank.

 

[Jmblec2]

i combined to 40 gallon breeders. cheap and works well:

 

[Jcm412]

I prefer to use HDPE tanks for sump tanks. These containers are strong and come in a large variety of sizes. Here is a picture of my first stage 265 gallon sump tank.

Interesting. Where do you buy something like that?

What is the white cone shaped thing in the middle?

Would you mind sending pictures of your entire filtration system?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

i combined to 40 gallon breeders. cheap and works well:

I actually did the same. Chose this over Rubbermaid tubs so I could keep the ability to have separate sections and baffles.

Mine are at the same height and connected with a section of 2" pipe to equalize them.

 

[W.vreeswijk]

Here is my filtration system.

Aquarium 215x65x90 850
* sump 140x50x50. 200L
* Frag tank 200L
* Lights ati hybrid 8x80watt 4x75watt led
* Skimmer bubbleking Supermarine 250 met rd3speedy
* Calcium reactor dastaco 4 xtrema 2
* Pump royal exclusive speedy rd3 18000L
* Doser kore 5th
* Computer apex
* Flow 3xwav pump
* ozon c200 uv 36w
* Korallenzucht automatic L zeovitfilter.
* powerfilter tunze
* Cheato filter

Greetings wesley

 

[haanstang]

do you need baffles? No... if you can get away with lower flow where the water isn't churning. You should have less micro bubbles. But they are easy to install and if you are worried about bubbles then use them. if you're going to use Rubbermaid totes or multiple tanks they will act as baffles depending on if you put your bulkheads on the bottom or the top of the side of them

 

[AlexG]

Interesting. Where do you buy something like that?

What is the white cone shaped thing in the middle?

Would you mind sending pictures of your entire filtration system?

There are a lot of places to purchase HDPE tanks. I have got mine from Amazon and plasticmart.com. The cone shape in the middle of the sump is my skimmer with the cup removed. Here is a picture of the same sump with the top on and a video that overviews my plumbing system. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Forsaken77]

Honestly, its dependent on your stand footprint and budget. I got the icecap sump with the mindset I will be able to use it for future tanks up to 300 gallon. I no how hard it is to add a refugium, reactors, and ATO reservoir later and this sump fits all of my needs. They have a really large one that is 48" long you may want to consider

I was actually considering the Icecap 48XL, but the XL's are extra wide and wouldn't fit my 180 stand. Ended up with the Trigger Sapphire 39, the biggest one. Didn't want to pay for, wait, and deal with the hassle of a custom sump.

 

[danielsalt]

Like somebody said, no you dont need baffles, there is no real need for baffles with the exception of a single baffle before the return to minimize microbubbles in the display.

Also, for treating your water, dosing, medicating or whatever - it is nothing but wrong and quite stupid to use volumes of the tanks and instead of actual water volume. I suppose some people think it counds cooler to say "I have 100+50 gallons system", when there might be 95+30 actual water

 

[dragonfish]

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Here is my filtration system.

Aquarium 215x65x90 850
* sump 140x50x50. 200L
* Frag tank 200L
* Lights ati hybrid 8x80watt 4x75watt led
* Skimmer bubbleking Supermarine 250 met rd3speedy
* Calcium reactor dastaco 4 xtrema 2
* Pump royal exclusive speedy rd3 18000L
* Doser kore 5th
* Computer apex
* Flow 3xwav pump
* ozon c200 uv 36w
* Korallenzucht automatic L zeovitfilter.
* powerfilter tunze
* Cheato filter

Greetings wesley

THAT is a beautiful system!!