Ex_Ex_Parrot
Community Member
I'm looking for, ideally, quality submersible return pumps for a standard 20gal that has a built in sump-
Note: I'm in my very early planning stages and assembling gear.
Right now I'm hoping to start a FOWLR tank to get used to saltwater fish and possibly macro algae growing within the year. I've got used dry rock, that I trust is pest free, and starting to look around for local Facebook Reeftank groups. I'm hoping to dark cook/start cycling in a trash can in the basement for the first 3-4 months with my existing rock and hopefully some live rock/bioballs/live sand.
But when it comes to first tank options I'm thinking about building an acrylic drop-in sump baffle system. However I'm unsure of the price of quality return pumps for the sump. If the price range for quality/reliable pumps is too high, *for a ~2 gal sump for a main display area of ~18gal*, then I'll probably reconsider altogether and stick with purchasing a Fluval.
I'd still like to consider the 20gal with a built-in sump since I can personally build it larger than enough to house a large Bio-Filter Block and macro algae/Chaeto.
Ideally I would like to get it established for 3-4+ months and as the fish grow out and I get more comfortable, move up to a 95Gal I was given and just convert the 20gal to it's dedicated sump. (Maybe even use that same pump if it's quality enough)
For reference on my price range, ideally I want to spend less than ~$125 for the homemade, built in sump in terms of Pump, Acrylic sheets, silicone, & fittings. Since, if I need to spend more, I'd rather just spend $200 on a decent AIO. And the Fiji All-in-one Drop-Ins look to be priced about in the AIO range anyway.
Note: I'm in my very early planning stages and assembling gear.
Right now I'm hoping to start a FOWLR tank to get used to saltwater fish and possibly macro algae growing within the year. I've got used dry rock, that I trust is pest free, and starting to look around for local Facebook Reeftank groups. I'm hoping to dark cook/start cycling in a trash can in the basement for the first 3-4 months with my existing rock and hopefully some live rock/bioballs/live sand.
But when it comes to first tank options I'm thinking about building an acrylic drop-in sump baffle system. However I'm unsure of the price of quality return pumps for the sump. If the price range for quality/reliable pumps is too high, *for a ~2 gal sump for a main display area of ~18gal*, then I'll probably reconsider altogether and stick with purchasing a Fluval.
I'd still like to consider the 20gal with a built-in sump since I can personally build it larger than enough to house a large Bio-Filter Block and macro algae/Chaeto.
Ideally I would like to get it established for 3-4+ months and as the fish grow out and I get more comfortable, move up to a 95Gal I was given and just convert the 20gal to it's dedicated sump. (Maybe even use that same pump if it's quality enough)
For reference on my price range, ideally I want to spend less than ~$125 for the homemade, built in sump in terms of Pump, Acrylic sheets, silicone, & fittings. Since, if I need to spend more, I'd rather just spend $200 on a decent AIO. And the Fiji All-in-one Drop-Ins look to be priced about in the AIO range anyway.
Last edited:
