Trigger System Emerald vs Ruby Sump - which to buy?!

mbemount · Sep 6, 2015

After looking at the acrylic sump market I have decided on going with a Trigger Systems sump. I have some space limitations inside of the stand so I've narrowed it down to the following 2 sumps:
Ruby 36S and the Emerald 34. Is the design of the Emerald 34 worth the cost difference for losing more water volume (albeit only 3 1/2 gallons of water)?

My real limiting factor underneath is there is only 16-16.5" of width so I think it may be best if I go with a sump that is 15" and give me a very small amount of wiggle room. Both of these sumps are 15" wide.

http://premiumaquatics.com/products/trigger-systems-ruby-sump-36x15x16.html
vs
http://premiumaquatics.com/products/trigger-systems-emerald-34-sump.html

Little more info:
I will be running the middle section as a refugium that will be lit up at least 12 hours a day, probably opposite of the lighting on the DT. There will be a Tunze ATO & some reactors so having the hose holders would be nice (but not necessary). There will be an Apex so I will be utilizing the probe holders. I have an AquaMaxx ConeS C0-2 skimmer and should fit in the skimmer section of either that I purchase.

Can anyone help me decide? I would like to pull the trigger by tomorrow as they are on sale. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

BryanS4 · Sep 6, 2015

I'm in the same boat as you are and a friend mentioned these to me the other day. While nice sumps, im personally not a fan of the look or design vs. another well known company that produces sumps.

If I had to choose between these two I'd go with the Ruby. From what you stated above the Ruby would suit your needs and you'd also save a few bucks.

MikeyB · Sep 6, 2015

I can help you out as i went back and forth about a year ago when i picked up trigger sump. I went back and forth and went with the emerald. Theyre both pretty similar, both have probe holders, both have a nice refug section there's only 3 differences inbetween the ruby and the emerald.

The emerald sump has 4 holes for dosing tubes, the emerald has an adjustable water height for the 1st 2 chambers, and the biggest reason i chose the emerald is the way water comes into the sump. It comes into that little box then the water will overflow into your filter socks. When its time to change your socks, you just take the little lid off and pull them right out. Very easy and quick.

Either one you'll be happy with so just got to pick what you want

I'll be more then happy to help out with any other questions you have

mbemount · Sep 6, 2015

BryanS4 said:
I'm in the same boat as you are and a friend mentioned these to me the other day. While nice sumps, im personally not a fan of the look or design vs. another well known company that produces sumps.

If I had to choose between these two I'd go with the Ruby. From what you stated above the Ruby would suit your needs and you'd also save a few bucks.

My problem is that the only other company that I feel I may want to purchase a sump from (Synergy Reefs) is quite a bit pricier and has no spot for the refugium. I currently don't have the room to have a separate fuge on the system so not even considering the price takes it out of the equation. Also I really don't care how the sump looks as it's not going to be viewable unless I'm performing maintenance on the tank.

MikeyB said:
I can help you out as i went back and forth about a year ago when i picked up trigger sump. I went back and forth and went with the emerald. Theyre both pretty similar, both have probe holders, both have a nice refug section there's only 3 differences inbetween the ruby and the emerald.

The emerald sump has 4 holes for dosing tubes, the emerald has an adjustable water height for the 1st 2 chambers, and the biggest reason i chose the emerald is the way water comes into the sump. It comes into that little box then the water will overflow into your filter socks. When its time to change your socks, you just take the little lid off and pull them right out. Very easy and quick.

Either one you'll be happy with so just got to pick what you want I'll be more then happy to help out with any other questions you have

Yeah the design seems a lot better on the Emerald and the dosing tube holes is a big plus. I feel like I'm leaning towards the Emerald. I just wish I had 17" of width or more space in the stand so I could get the biggest one... >.<

MikeyB · Sep 6, 2015

I have a 4ft 150gal tank and im running the Emerald 34. Im just guessing by your sig that its going into the 125g tank so you should be fine. I dont think 3 gallons is really going to make that much of a difference, vs having an adjustable water height for your skimmer which i used to dial mine in.

BryanS4 · Sep 6, 2015

Yeah I was talking about Synergy. Mine won't be visable either, but something about me still wants the best looking one.

Whatever you choose will be great. If you don't care about looks I def like the design of the green better, just personally not a fan of that color.

DaveRaz · May 1, 2016

Can you tell me whT size the drain input fitting are? 1.5"?

MikeyB · May 1, 2016

DaveRaz said:
Can you tell me whT size the drain input fitting are? 1.5"?

They are 1"

glb · May 1, 2016

mbemount said:
My problem is that the only other company that I feel I may want to purchase a sump from (Synergy Reefs) is quite a bit pricier and has no spot for the refugium. I currently don't have the room to have a separate fuge on the system so not even considering the price takes it out of the equation. Also I really don't care how the sump looks as it's not going to be viewable unless I'm performing maintenance on the tank.

Yeah the design seems a lot better on the Emerald and the dosing tube holes is a big plus. I feel like I'm leaning towards the Emerald. I just wish I had 17" of width or more space in the stand so I could get the biggest one... >.<

If you don't care about appearance, have you thought about building your own? You'd save a lot of money and things like filter sock holders and probe holders can be bought separately.

MikeyB · May 1, 2016

This was an old post from last September, he probably already bought a sump by now

mbemount · May 2, 2016

Yeah I ended up going with the Emerald 39 which wasn't even on my initial list (based on praying it would fit) and I'm very happy with it. 1" returns.