Opinions on Sump Size

[AJ]

Hi everyone! I am getting into my new tank build and the time has come for me to decide what size of sump to use. The display will be a standard 125 with a center Eshopps Eclipse L overflow, running a full siphon, trickle drain and emergency drain.

I'm trying to decide what size of sump to buy. It is going to be a standard tank that I design baffles for. I'm stuck between a 40 breeder and a 55 gallon.

What are you thoughts/benefits/drawbacks/etc...

Thanks!!!!

[Heinbaughb]

What do you plan to keep in your sump?


120 gallon mixed reef.

[Heinbaughb]

I like having enough space underneath the tank to store my calcium and alk containers as well as having enough space to remove my skimmer completely if needed.


120 gallon mixed reef.

[joelbegt]

How high is the stand the sump needs to fit into?  We used a 55g on our old 125 and it worked well but i also used a tall steel stand so I had lots of access.  I think a 40Long would have been better access wise.

[AJ]

What do you plan to keep in your sump?


120 gallon mixed reef.

The drains will drain into a small drain chamber, which overflows into 2 filter socks. The next chamber will be either refugium/live rock or the skimmer. After those I will have a bubble trap, then a small "return" section for dosing/ATO/probes/etc... then there will be a bulkhead with a strainer that connects to the pump. The pump will then be plumbed into a manifold so i can add reactors and such and run them off the return.

[AJ]

How high is the stand the sump needs to fit into?  We used a 55g on our old 125 and it worked well but i also used a tall steel stand so I had lots of access.  I think a 40Long would have been better access wise.

How tall was your stand? If i recall correctly, your stand was almost the height that I want to make mine. We do most of our viewing standing up, so i want a slightly taller stand than normal. I was thinking 40" from floor to bottom of tank.

[joelbegt]

Don't have it anymore but I think it was around 40"