sump size

[Beckie]

Hi I am so new that I am still reading. I have a 125gl reef tank with over flow
& I think durso stand pipe. A 36x15x18 sump. Does this sound like enough or do you think I need bigger? Next bio balls? No balls ? I have always loved watching reef tanks but a sience/ enginering degree sounds VERY hepful.

Any thoughts
Beckie

 

[luke33]

Beckie, the larger the better imo. No bioballs. You want your overflow to come down into your first sump section where your protein skimmer is, then (my opinion) go into a refugium with chaeto, then the third section you have your return pump. I have a 125g tank and my sump is 48x16x16. If i were to do it all over it would be 48x14x16" as its just a smudge to tall. Bioballs can cause to many detrius and nitrate problems. HTH

 

[chend2]

Luke is smart like smart guy.

 

[veralteaquatics]

The sump you have is about 42 gal. and it's always great if you can do around 1/3 of the tank volume in the filter and you're right there.. Just make sure that your return is setup properly as you will have back syphon when the tank is turned off and you dont want to have any water on the floor... Feel free to drop a line if you have anymore technical questions... Thanks Eric

 

[Sascha D]

The sump only has to be as big as you need to accomplish the goal. If you just want to hold equipment, then it can be smaller than if you want to add all the extra compartments. Bigger is usually better. Just watch out you don't make your life harder in the process hehe.

 

[Sascha D]

BTW Welcome to RF Beckie

Like Veralteaquatics said, make sure you add defensive features like siphon breaks ect. You know...just in case

 

[tamarindthai]

just my openion:i like remote refugium seperated from the sump///flow controlable///replaceable if you need to///and build up the ecosystemable,,always work for me quite well.

 

[Beckie]

Thanks to all! I am still reading and will be looking at protien skimmers. I think in the sump so "if" something leaks it will be in the sump. LFS's 2 that I like have the best selection have 2 very different opinions. One say's use what I have & get skimmer, sand & rock. Run for a few weeks. Other says get new sump, I think its called trickle with bioballs. . Both have different lighting ideas. More than one way to do it can get over my head! Still reading still researching I want to enjoy when I finally do set it up not regret what I hace decided.
Thanks

 

[G&NSalty425]

Welcome Beckie to RF!!!

 

[veralteaquatics]

Beckie, like I said if you need any outside advise from the LFS's; feel free to drop me a line..

Eric

 

[luke33]

bioballs and trickle systems are old school. You want to stear away from that imo. A sump is an investment that will make your life much easier in the reefin world. Don't skimp in setup, or you'll spend twice as much in the long run....believe me!

 

[Sascha D]

I've heard so many bad things about bio balls that I would avoid them. Fortunately I've never used them

The best piece of advice anyone can give is to decide what you want out of your sump before you buy one. Usually the biggest difference between DIY and professional sumps is how pretty they are hehe.

 

[BobinCovington]

bio-balls make great christmas ornaments though...

My sump is 36x16x18 high and i houses a big skimmer, but I wish it was the sump was a little bigger so I could have a refugium. I have about a 70 gallon tank. talk to Jason at clear fabrications (a sponser here) and Eric (veralte) if you need acrylic sumps made or baffles made for your sump. I might have him make a refugium for me to add to my sump