Let me see them 55 Gallon sumps

[KingAlee]

I’m looking to make a sump out of a 55 gallon! I need some inspiration trying to have a refugium, skimmer and heater section and a return section. Just need some help as all I have right now is a 20Gallon Long and desperately need to upgrade!

 

[RockRash]

I’m looking to make a sump out of a 55 gallon! I need some inspiration trying to have a refugium, skimmer and heater section and a return section. Just need some help as all I have right now is a 20Gallon Long and desperately need to upgrade!

Not a 55 but 40 breeder. I went with the modular marine refuge kit. I'm posting because they are the same kits just sized for what ever tank you want to use.

I didn't use the filter socks, was able to fit a reef mat 500, 2 heaters ( not pictured) and skimmer in my first chamber. I have room for a refugium and a nice size return chamber. Really easy to assemble.

 

[Fish Fan]

I've looked, and I can't find my pics (though I know I have some, and my sump is currently for sale lol!)

Somewhere around 15 or more years ago I built a sump out of a 55 gallon tank. I modeled it after Mark Leveson's (aka melevsreef) model F sump design. The design brings water in to each side of the sump, with the return section in the middle. I liked this back in the day because it did have a large 'fuge section, and room for my (back then) 10" Reef Octopus skimmer.

For this sump, I did my best to measure and then have a glass shop cut the glass baffles for me. That was a lot of work lol!

If I had to do it again, and I have since.....

I'd suggest a prefabbed acrylic kit for your baffles. After A LOT of research, and having owned a FijiCube kit, I now think the best value for a DIY sump baffle kit is this from eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/275676397759?var=577053700520
I'm not sure if they make a kit for a 55, but I would reach out and ask. The seller was very responsive to me, and definitely makes a really nice product.

Good luck!

 

[Fish Fan]

OK, so I'm NOT trying to sell my stuff on the OP's thread ;-)

This is my DIY 55 gallon tank sump build. If any R2R member wants this sump, it is absolutely free of charge.

https://rochester.craigslist.org/pet/d/victor-for-sale-55-gallon-aquarium-diy/7792430567.html