Sump choice - Eshopps R-200 vs Trigger Ruby 30 ??

[GuppyHJD]

Hello,
I am setting up a 120g tank and I am trying to choose a sump.
My LFS is recommending a Eshopps R-200 - they like the refugium section. For me, I am concerned that a) it is a discontinued product b) the return area is only 5" x 13.5" and could be limiting pump choice c) the filter socks are 7" rectangular
I look at the Trigger Ruby 30 as an alternative - is has a refugium area but it means skimmer is in sock compartment and refugium appears to receive water from skimmer area.
I like the Ice Cap 30 sump because it has an ATO area but no refugium. Pump area 7"x10".

What do you recommend? What am I missing?

 

[Spare time]

I am a big refugium advocate. I think the best bet is to list out what all you want in the sump, how much room does it have for future expansions (ie adding a reactor or something down the line), and what are you wanting to be your primary waste export method.

 

[GuppyHJD]

I am a big refugium advocate. I think the best bet is to list out what all you want in the sump, how much room does it have for future expansions (ie adding a reactor or something down the line), and what are you wanting to be your primary waste export method.

My tank is going to be a mixed Fish and easy corals..softies. I would think the skimmer is going to be important. I have never had a refugium. My stand sorta fits the tank 48"x24" so I am thinking I am limited to a 30-34" sump, to still have room for electrical and other components.

 

[Pistondog]

I have the r200 for my 75 + 20g tanks. You'll need a bigger return section.
Maybe the r300.
Those sump are nice. I took out the sox.
They only run 10% of the flow thru the fuge, a great idea.
Def want a fuge.

 

[GuppyHJD]

I have the r200 for my 75 + 20g tanks. You'll need a bigger return section.
Maybe the r300.
Those sump are nice. I took out the sox.
They only run 10% of the flow thru the fuge, a great idea.
Def want a fuge.

Thank you.
The R300 would be nice but that will make the area under the stand very full.

 

[Pistondog]

Thank you.
The R300 would be nice but that will make the area under the stand very full.

6 inches longer than r200.

 

[GuppyHJD]

6 inches longer than r200.

yes...only 45" in the stand to work with

 

[Pistondog]

6 inches longer than r200.

Due to salt creep and wet area, limited electronics in sump

 

[X-37B]

40 breeder for my 120.
$50 on petco sale days.
I run no baffles, a skimmer, carx, return, and a small carbon reactor and 7" filter sock.
Works well for me.
Here is a pic.

 

[Pistondog]

I see 6 inch width on the return section for ruby 30, same as r200

Ruby Sump 30

RUBY30S Dimensions: 30″ long x 14″ wide x 15″ high Drain/Skimmer Section: 11″ x 13.5″ Center/Refugium Section: 9.5″ x 13.5″ Return Pump Section: 6″ x 13.5″ Total Water Volume: 25.0 gallons Skimmer Water Level: 9.5″ fixed The RUBY series sumps are loaded with features and come with the...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Kershaw]

I would do trigger over eshops.
good luck.

 

[GuppyHJD]

I see 6 inch width on the return section for ruby 30, same as r200

Ruby Sump 30

RUBY30S Dimensions: 30″ long x 14″ wide x 15″ high Drain/Skimmer Section: 11″ x 13.5″ Center/Refugium Section: 9.5″ x 13.5″ Return Pump Section: 6″ x 13.5″ Total Water Volume: 25.0 gallons Skimmer Water Level: 9.5″ fixed The RUBY series sumps are loaded with features and come with the...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/r-200-refugium-sump-3rd-gen-eshopps.html I was looking at this page where it shows the return area as 5"x13.5" on the R200

 

[Spare time]

My tank is going to be a mixed Fish and easy corals..softies. I would think the skimmer is going to be important. I have never had a refugium. My stand sorta fits the tank 48"x24" so I am thinking I am limited to a 30-34" sump, to still have room for electrical and other components.

I think the skimmer is important if you have a heavy stocked tank, but there are people who run refugiums only. You just need a proper and strong light if is to be the main export method for waste.

 

[Water Dog]

Having owned the R200, know that the location and small size of the return section are definite drawbacks. It’s placement in the rear middle area behind the refugium make it a pain to do any work back there because of the inability to see what you’re doing. Also, the angled piece of acrylic they welded back there to mount the float valve further reduces the footprint back there. The three tiny slits they cut into the refugium area to direct flow from the plumbing input are tiny and cause serious dead spots due to lack of flow through the refugium. I sold mine and went with a Trigger sump... glad I did.

 

[AltitudeAquarium]

In my opinion you would want a larger sump for a 120 gallon tank. I have a Trigger saphire 30 for a 90 gallon. It is just barely enough dimensions to accommodate all of the equipment and refugium. Even though the manufacturer says it is rated for your size of tank. You will hear different opinions regarding the benefit of a refugium, having socks, various media reactors. So, take sometime to plan and evaluate what you want. Then get the right sump.

 

[GuppyHJD]

In my opinion you would want a larger sump for a 120 gallon tank. I have a Trigger saphire 30 for a 90 gallon. It is just barely enough dimensions to accommodate all of the equipment and refugium. Even though the manufacturer says it is rated for your size of tank. You will hear different opinions regarding the benefit of a refugium, having socks, various media reactors. So, take sometime to plan and evaluate what you want. Then get the right sump.

Thank you.
At this point, I am certain, I just do not know enough to plan what could be the right sump. Last night I spent hours looking at DIY sumps using baffles for a 40g breeder tank. The tank is 36" long so that makes the rest of the stand space smaller. The skimmers are the next decision. Unfortunately the LFS only is offering one recommendation and they do not like the 40g breeder option.

 

[Kershaw]

I have done a 40 breeder on 3 tanks. I really like them they don’t look as nice as some of the acrylic ones but you can make them fit to the equipment you buy. Instead of trying to find things that will fit in your sump.
With all that being said. I am now on the fence with my new build with going with a 40b or a synergy CL-34. I have never owned a sump that I didn’t make, so I am kinda curious on getting one.

 

[AltitudeAquarium]

Here are photos of the sump I have during the build. I hope you can find something that will work for you.

 

[Pistondog]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/r-200-refugium-sump-3rd-gen-eshopps.html I was looking at this page where it shows the return area as 5"x13.5" on the R200

Meant to say same as r300.
I've been running current usa eflux 6009 for return, compact pump
They have larger models, 6010, 6011 if you need more flow.
I removed the ato float in the r200 return compartment, and have 2 pumps running in there.
The 2nd is a cobalt mj900 for a 20g satellite tank.