Side sump reef tank build ?? 110x45x45

[KeremAltinbasak]

Hi everyone,
I’m planning a new reef tank build and I’d like to get some feedback from people who have experience with non-traditional sump layouts
Instead of a classic under-cabinet sump, I’m considering an integrated side sump, built as part of the same glass tank.

Tank concept:​

• Total tank size: 110 × 45 × 45 cm
• Display area: 90 × 45 × 45 cm (~180 L / ~47 gal)
• Side sump: 20 cm wide (same height and depth as the display)
• Estimated total system volume: ~210–220 L

The sump will be on the side of the display, not underneath.

Side sump layout (3 chambers):​

1. Drain / mechanical filtration section
   • Drain lines enter here
   • Filter socks or filter floss
   • Space for carbon / phosphate media if needed
2. Skimmer & equipment section
   • Protein skimmer
   • Heater
   • Fixed water level section
3. Return section
   • Return pump
   • ATO sensor
   • Variable water level section

Goals for this build:​

• Very quiet operation (living room tank)
• Clean and minimal look
• Easy access and maintenance
• Moderate to high fish load
• Mixed reef (LPS with some SPS)

Equipment I’m considering:​

• Protein skimmers:
  • Deltec 400i
  • Deltec 600i
  • Nyos Quantum 120
  • Reef Octopus Classic 150-S
• Return pump head height: approx. 35 cm maybe VarioS 2 Water Pump or same.

Questions:​

1. Has anyone here run a similar side sump / integrated sump setup?
2. Any long-term drawbacks compared to a traditional under-tank sump?
3. Is a 20 cm wide side sump practical long-term, or does it feel cramped over time?
4. Does this 3-chamber sump layout make sense, or would you change anything?
5. For this system size and bioload, would a Deltec 400i be sufficient, or is the 600i the safer option?
6. If you were to build something like this again, what would you do differently?

Any real-world experience, photos, or build threads would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[MikeyZo]

Sounds like a big AIO, and they work fine. I say do it.

 

[EasternShoreman]

I had the exact same thought - Essentially a Big AIO....Should work just fine!

 

[Zgraggen Bruno]

Hello. For years I had a 1.6m long tank with a filter built into the left side using black glass. I soon cut out this filter compartment. It caused problems, in my opinion. It's hard to find small hang-on skimmers, and as soon as you want to add more equipment to the built-in sump, there's no room. I wouldn't do it again... now I have a Red Sea tank and I'm very happy with it. I would rather switch to an external filter from OASE or similar than have a sump built into the tank... Best regards from Switzerland