Ebay sump or refugium for 38-gallon reef tank?

[MelO82]

Hello All,


I am in the process of looking for a sump or refugium and an in-sump protein skimmer for my 38 gallon reef tank.


I will have LR, live sand, and corals w/ a few fish.


I found these two on Ebay... what do you guys think?




Sump
10 Gal Sump Kit 20"x10"x12" Custom Protein Skimmer Sump Aquarium Filter | eBay




Refugium
10 Gal Refugium Kit 20" x 10" x 12" Custom Protein Skimmer Sump Aquarium Filter | eBay

 

[Reefing Madness]

I guess the question would be, what are you looking to use it for?
The first one if your just using it for equipment.
The second one if your going to put Macro Algae in it.

 

[MelO82]

That's my dilemma... I definitely would want to put protein skimmer and heater in there... but would also like plants and such... Is it possible to have best of both worlds?

 

[ReeferBob]

You should not buy that kit. Acrylic and glass are not really compatible and should not be mixed.

 

[MelO82]

OK visited my local lfs. He's going to give me the specs so I can make it out of glass.

I know there are differin opinions on this topic but what is best... sump or refugium, and why? Also, if you go with a refugium would you leave protein skimmer out or still ad in protein skimmer?

Thanks :wave:

 

[Reefing Madness]

Use it as a Fuge. Gotta throw in the Skimmer also. The macro algae you can grow in it help maintain the water quality. Try and get one big enough to house the skimmer your looking at. And if your going to DIY, then thats alot easier to do.