60 gal breeder sump too small??

[sjarea88]

I have 180 gallon marineland display. I have been looking around for a sump. I found on eBay they sell sump kits for a 60 gallon breeder. Currently petco you can get the breeder for $110 and eBay for $160. So for all new stuff $370. My only worry is size. Sumps on BRS and saltwater aquarium list smaller sumps up to this tank size. And more so makes me believe this size is adequate. I know bigger is better. What’s your thoughts?

 

[PotatoPig]

Partly this will depend on what water level you run in your tank vs how much spare capacity there is in the DT.

A 60 breeder has an area of about 864 sq.in

A 180 has an area somewhere in the region of 1700sq.in

2:1 ratio. Not too bad

Every inch of potential siphon from the DT will add about 2 inches of water to this sump.

Provided the water level in the running sump is far enough below the rim you can accommodate the maximum back siphon you should be good.

In terms of equipment - you can fit quite a lot into an area this size.

An option if you’re chasing space with a 60B is to have the ATO reservoir in a separate container at one end of the sump.

 

[sjarea88]

Partly this will depend on what water level you run in your tank vs how much spare capacity there is in the DT.

A 60 breeder has an area of about 864 sq.in

A 180 has an area somewhere in the region of 1700sq.in

2:1 ratio. Not too bad

Every inch of potential siphon from the DT will add about 2 inches of water to this sump.

Provided the water level in the running sump is far enough below the rim you can accommodate the maximum back siphon you should be good.

In terms of equipment - you can fit quite a lot into an area this size.

An option if you’re chasing space with a 60B is to have the ATO reservoir in a separate container at one end of the sump.

So you’re saying the 60 gallon breeder is big enough and also big enough to section off an ATO section?

 

[PotatoPig]

So you’re saying the 60 gallon breeder is big enough and also big enough to section off an ATO section?

I mean - your DT is 6 ft long, and the breeder is 4ft, so you have 2 ft spare under the stand. Your preference may vary, but if I were doing this I’d get a separate container for the ATO reservoir and put it in that 2ft space to free up real estate from your sump.

As far as reservoirs go this opens up a bunch of economical options that will provide ample water storage.

 

[sjarea88]

I wasn’t sure if on the other 2’ I was going to have more dry storage of food and maintenance gear, controller and if cords are long enough power supply. My stand is DIY 2x4s wrapped in 3/4 birch plywood inside and out with 3 openings in front that will have doors. I even applied a sheeting of texture pvc paneling on inside for moisture control to prevent damage. I have not installed a petitioning wall yet. But I want it to be functional easy for maintenance but still a clean look inside stand and out. I plan to encapsulate the top as well to look like in a bookshelf or cabinet style. I plan on building these cabinets myself. So that’s a project in it by itself. I’m still in planning stage. But the last big obstacle for the tank system is the sump.

 

[sjarea88]

 

[sjarea88]

 

[sjarea88]

?

 

[PotatoPig]

My 2c would still be the sump and then have a separate container for the ATO reservoir, though ultimately this may be influenced by how your maintenance is set up.

This is entirely up to you, but I’d be tempted to remove the interior 2x4 pieces across the bottom and then install a waterproof liner turned up and over the perimeter trim. This will improve vertical access into your sump, while giving you a more waterproof maintenance area for inevitable drips from equipment maintenance- and also a bit of a safety net in case of larger spills.

 

[afboundguy]

I will have about 175 gallons in tanks (35, 80 and 60) all plumbed in and I was between the DIY eBay kits for a 40 breeder and 60 breeder. I ended up going with the 40 breeder as I felt that was more than enough for my system. It easily fits roller mat, skimmer, refugium and return pump.

The eBay kits make having a sump super inexpensive and customizable. The cut acrylic pieces are nice and thick and well cut and not cheap in any manner.