Sump/Aquarium volume ratio question.

[FiX]

Noob here, in design and acquisition phase for first attempt at a reef tank. Wondering if it's advantageous to have as large a sump as possible? For example, I plan to have a 20 gallon display tank, but I will have much more room under the cabinet, up to a 40 gallon sump. Should i take advantage of the excess capacity? Seems like a good idea to me. What say you? TIA!

 

[TX_REEF]

I say, the bigger the better. I once had a 20 long display with a 50 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank as a sump, makes maintenance a breeze

 

[JonoH]

Bigger the better.

 

[bossjx]

Noob here, in design and acquisition phase for first attempt at a reef tank. Wondering if it's advantageous to have as large a sump as possible? For example, I plan to have a 20 gallon display tank, but I will have much more room under the cabinet, up to a 40 gallon sump. Should i take advantage of the excess capacity? Seems like a good idea to me. What say you? TIA!

Wouldn't hurt to do it, wouldnt need a new sump if you ever want to upgrade and lots of space for a refugium to grow a ton of pods for a mandarin if you ever want that.

 

[UncommonSense]

40g tanks are so cheap you could always just do 40g DT/40g sump!

Just remember to give yourself enough space over the sump to reach all the way into it within the stand, and to fit a skimmer and/or other equipment!

 

[FiX]

Good point about hand access! I'm setting up in a kitchen. Limited counter space, over a big, but seldom-used, cabinet. I think it will work out nicely!

 

[UncommonSense]

Good point about hand access! I'm setting up in a kitchen. Limited counter space, over a big, but seldom-used, cabinet. I think it will work out nicely!

I’ve got 6” between the top of my 60g sump(90g DT), and the bottom of the stand’s framing; that’s just enough to actually work inside the sump! However, I will have to drain/slide the sump out partially remove the protein skimmer’s body! (Acrylic, rimmed sump from glasscages)

 

[C_AWOL]

I wouldn't say there's a specific ratio but at the very least, the sump needs to be able to hold whatever water you plan on having in there + any back flow from the display if and when the power goes out/return pump fails or needs service.