Sump for a 90 gal

EthanDouglas · Dec 16, 2016

I want to start off by saying that this is my first post here but I've been looking through many different threads for the past few months. The community seems to be very knowledgeable and nice to newbies, and I want to thank you in advance for any replies.

I recently bought a 90 gallon tank, that I plan on starting as a FOWLR and eventually turning into a reef tank, and I am in need of some recommendation for a pre-built sump. I would like it to have plenty of space for a large refugium and protein skimmer as well as an extra compartment for whatever gadgets i get in the future. I know that it would be cheaper to build one myself, but I think that in the long run it will be better to just buy one so that I know the build quality is good.

If anybody could recommend a high quality sump, I would greatly appreciate it.

I saw a company online by the name of "trigger systems". They seem to be a good company with a high quality product, based on some reviews I've seen on YouTube. Do any of you have one of these sumps?

I am also in need of a good RODI unit. I plan on buying water from my LFS to fill up initially, but I don't want to be reliant solely on their water. Anybody have some good reviews of a certain system? I don't have any GPD requirements, but I would like to limit the amount of wastewater being produced as much as possible.

Brew12 · Dec 17, 2016

Welcome to Reef2Reef! Glad to have you here!

I picked up a Bulk Reef Supply RODI unit with no regrets. I do regret not picking up a booster pump for it. Booster pumps not only allow you to make water faster, but they reduce the amount of waste water generated.

I don't have a trigger sump, I made mine myself. I do think they have one of the better layouts for a basic sump so it wouldn't be a bad option. Most people add their gadgets to either the return, skimmer or fuge. Very few need their own dedicated space.

wkscott · Dec 17, 2016

Hi Ethan and welcome!
I use an Eshopps R-200 on my 90g reef. It's large enough for a good sized skimmer and it also holds 3 reactors (carbon, GFO, biopellet.) These reactors are in the refugium section so I have no plant life in this section. Reactors CAN be mounted outside of the sump but in my experience, regardless of brand, they are very likely to leak, so I always keep them in the sump.
This was the largest sump that I could find 3 years ago that would fit inside a 90g standard footprint stand. This sump has a capacity of 30g but it is usually only half full of water. This gives a nice 15g cushion just in case your ATO fails and pumps too much replacement water into your system. It will prevent a big flood so long as the ATO reservoir holds less than 15g.

I also use a BRS RO/DI 75GPD system with no problem. If you have low water pressure (most do) the booster pump is necessary. It processes water faster with less waste water.

@Brew12 I added my booster pump from BRS a year after installing their RO/DI system. They sell the pumps separately and only take two minutes to install.

Brew12 · Dec 17, 2016

wkscott said:
I added my booster pump from BRS a year after installing their RO/DI system. They sell the pumps separately and only take two minutes to install.

I know... and I really need to get it. No excuse.. just been lazy about it. I think I even have enough reward points with BRS to get it for free. o_O

EthanDouglas · Dec 17, 2016

Thanks for the replies! I'll probably pick up that BRS RO/DI and the booster pump sometime after Christmas. I still need to sand the stand, repaint it, and tile the room it's going in. I've got my work cut out for me!

Thanks again.

Brew12 · Dec 17, 2016

EthanDouglas said:
Thanks for the replies! I'll probably pick up that BRS RO/DI and the booster pump sometime after Christmas. I still need to sand the stand, repaint it, and tile the room it's going in. I've got my work cut out for me!

Thanks again.

Sounds great, and don't be a stranger! Start a build thread and post lots of pictures! You never know what great advice you may get from people following along!

lion king · Dec 17, 2016

Trigger systems all the way, I like the flow through design, it allows you to customize your equipment easily. I based my diy sump on the ruby 36 design. The ruby 36 would actually be an excellent fit for your 90.

EthanDouglas · Dec 17, 2016

Okay thanks Brew. I'll get around to it once things are looking a little more polished.

And I've started looking into building a sump myself again. I got a little intimidated at the start, but my LFS said they could help me out with the silicone and baffle placement. I think that's what I might do.

FishGuyBri · Dec 30, 2016

After much review, I purchased a Spectrapure 90gal RODI w/ chloramine process because here in SW Florida, we have a huge chloramine dose in our water and through reading and research, I hear it kills the membrane quite quick. I also got some neat info on an instal option since I live in a condo by using an over-toilet cabinet to mount it. Pretty cool! I also got the eshopps R-200 sump/refuge and Reef Octopus INT-150 for skimmer. Good luck!