Triton sump - Trigger or Synergy Reef?

Steve P · Oct 20, 2017

I'm looking to, eventually, run a 180 gallon by Triton method. The only sumps currently available to run the Triton method that I know of are Trigger Systems Triton44 and Synergy Reef TS-44.

They both seem to be very well made and thought out designs. I'm leaning more towards the Synergy as it is slightly larger and also has 1.5" bulkheads.

I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on these or if there is another manufacturer I'm missing.

Thanks!

Steve P · Oct 21, 2017

Do you think the bulkheads on the Trigger could be easily reworked to 1.5"?

pdxmonkeyboy · Oct 21, 2017

if you have access to a table saw I would definately just build your own sump and save save hundred dollars...

But at any rate, it should be easy to make the bulkhead bigger you just need to drill them out.

If you decide to do that, run the hole saw in reverse!! That way the teeth won't grab and throw the hole saw out of position. (because you won't be able to use the bit that holds the hole saw in place because your making a large hole larger

mixer911 · Oct 21, 2017

Our TS44 would be great for your 180. The 1.5" drains are essential getting the higher flow rates required by the Triton method. Also as you mentioned ours is larger with the 18 x 18 dimensions giving you a larger refugium and more overall space.

flex13 · Nov 21, 2017

My vote goes to Synergy, because I ordered one so I am being biased

I know its more expensive than building one but there is no way it will look that good.

1st - Performance - both sump will do Triton perfect
2nd - Material Quality - Synergy
3rd - How it looks - for me Synergy

Steve P · Nov 21, 2017

flex13 said:
My vote goes to Synergy, because I ordered one so I am being biased
I know its more expensive than building one but there is no way it will look that good.

1st - Performance - both sump will do Triton perfect
2nd - Material Quality - Synergy
3rd - How it looks - for me Synergy

I also came into the search a little biased toward Synergy, but I was (and still am) willing to look at other sumps...there just aren't enough out there to compete in the Triton method. And building one, for me, is out of the question.

I also decided to scale back on my build to a 150 gal so there should be even greater coverage on turnover with either sump.

drtrash · Dec 3, 2017

Synergy needs a 34 gal sump

BigBearMD · Dec 3, 2017

I ordered the Trigger 44 for my 180 Planet Aquarium build.

I looked at them both and decided that I’m very happy with my current Trigger systems sump on another tank.

Jamie7907 · Dec 3, 2017

Synergy are better quality sumps then trigger. Trigger look pretty in pictures but when you have the two side by side it’s very easy to tell the difference in craftsmanship and build quality.

drtrash · Dec 3, 2017

My bad, they do have a 34, skimmer section is small but good design

pdxmonkeyboy · Dec 3, 2017

just curios, how much was it?

joe berkman · Dec 3, 2017

I got a trigger 44 for black fri and it's beautiful. However if I had the space and the budget I would have preferred the synergy if only for the extra skimmer space, The trigger really limits your skimmer options. I modified my vertex to squeeze it in. As soon as my funds allow jeff at life reef said he'd fab me one with blue acrylic plates and pvc

Steve P · Dec 3, 2017

The shipping on the Synergy is pretty steep. As far as I know, it's only available direct, right? At least with the Trigger, you can get that from BRS with free shipping.

pdxmonkeyboy · Dec 3, 2017

for how much they are charging if the market ever goes south i will start making sumps...

Steve P · Dec 3, 2017

Brian Bieger said:
for how much they are charging if the market ever goes south i will start making sumps...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/triton44-sump-trigger-systems.html
http://synergyreef.com/product/ts-44-triton-style-refugium-sump-4/

pdxmonkeyboy · Dec 4, 2017

$750!!! lol.

classic

joe berkman · Dec 4, 2017

I came close to building my own, had it all drawn, found an acrylic shop to sell me scraps " Craig's list" read the awesome thread here on acrylic Fab . I've heat formed and machined acrylic in the past just never glued it, at least not to itself. In the end I'd rather start with something smaller and less likely to flood the apartment bellow me like dosing containers and I value my time a lot more than the few hundred dollars I'd save

drtrash · Dec 4, 2017

Very surprised how small the skimmer sections are, imo should not be less than 10", alot of good skimmers on market, 1 less than 9" choice goes down fast, synergy is respectable in size but not sure vertex, bubble king, deltec... will fit

joe berkman · Dec 4, 2017

I really wanted an omega 180 but it's just not an option.misses by 1/4". reef 2 land can order custom trigger sumps they quoted me around $700 for custom color and expanded skimmer section.