Equipment review for a 10g sump build I have planned. + Sump Review.

[Rilo]

I plan on adding a 10g sump to my 20L reef. Here's the details on the equipment. Thoughts on the equipment? anything I should swap out? The one restriction I have is budget.

I need the prices to be reasonable for example the protein skimmer is ~60$ and I can't go for one that is $100 unless I can sacrifice the price on other equipment to make up for it.

Here is the equipment list.

• Overflow
  • Eshopps AEO10100 Overflow Nano Box. $54.40
• Protein Skimmer
  • Macro Aqua M-50 HOB. $63.34
• Fuge Light
  • Finnex planted + 24/7. Equipment I have lying around.
• Return Pump
  • Ponicspump submersible pump. $28.99

For a simple diy sump setup this is all I think that is necessary. Thoughts on the equipment? Recommendations?
Here is the build I plan on doing.

 

[Peace River]

Any chance that you could upgrade to a 20g sump and still stay in budget. Based on my experience, I think you’ll get frustrated with a 10g sump for a 20g main tank. Good luck!

 

[Dom]

Any chance that you could upgrade to a 20g sump and still stay in budget. Based on my experience, I think you’ll get frustrated with a 10g sump for a 20g main tank. Good luck!

I agree. I'd go with a 20 long. Pricing is close and you will have more room to do more in it. My 20 long sump has a live rock chamber, refugium and return chamber. It works well.

 

[Rilo]

Any chance that you could upgrade to a 20g sump and still stay in budget. Based on my experience, I think you’ll get frustrated with a 10g sump for a 20g main tank. Good luck!

I can’t the stand I’ll have the sump in can only house a 10g

 

[Peace River]

I can’t the stand I’ll have the sump in can only house a 10g

I understand. You will need to pay extra attention to your max fill line and min water line, because the water level can change quickly in a 10g sump. Once you see if it is an issue for you then you may want to upgrade your stand and sump at some point. Good luck!

 

[Pntbll687]

Is this a heavily stocked tank? If not, you can do without the skimmer. While skimmers are nice, they are not a necessity and you could probably get better nutrient transport using a steady water change schedule and having enough media for a complete cycle. I would imagine one marine pure block would be more than enough for the tank.