Sump Indecision

GrampsReef

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New 55 gallon reef tank hobbyist here (second go round from 20 years ago). I've spent most of the evening studying sumps. I'm a retired mechanical engineer so that's what I do.

I think I know what I want to do; but, I'm just not sure of what to do it with. The attached picture shows what I am considering, except I will use the 4th chamber for an ATO, which I will add later. I don't plan a refuge (if I got that name right). Here is what I'm thinking and could use some advice about:

  1. I plan to use an external overflow because I don't want to drill my tank. I'm looking at a PF-800 HOB Overflow - Eshopps from Bulk Reef Supply. Suggestions?
  2. I believe that I need at least a 20 - 30 gallon (not including the ATO) because I plan to upgrade to a 75 gallon tank next year. What size would you recommend for a 75 gallon tank?
  3. I am torn between the following methods of getting the sump:
    1. Buy a tank from a pet store and modify it.
    2. Build my own just the way I want it. I'd have to make it similar to store bought ones. That appears to be a cost effective alternative.
    3. Buy one. I've looked at Trigger Systems and Eshopps. I'm leaning towards Trigger. Suggestions?
  4. Buy a protein skimmer. I have no clue who makes a good one or what size to get. Suggestions?
  5. Buy a return pump. Same situation as the protein skimmer. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sump Pump Diagram with ATO.jpg
 

laxer23

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A hang on back overflow is a guaranteed flood eventually just a heads up. I've used them when I started 15 yrs ago nothing has changed with them. The sump, I wouldn't bother with the deep sand bed that's in that graphic, rubble and a refuge is perfect. The size a 20 gal would be tight imo, I tried it on a 65 gal, a 40 breeder was more comfortable. If you are thinking about buying a sump that's really personal choice, BRS has 40 breeder sump kits, but if you are gonna go all in with a Trigger sump, go all the way with the platinum, (has the roller mat built in)
 

Blue Spot Octopus

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If you want to built a sump check out Fiji Cube they make kits, is the 55 gallon tank really narrow,? If so I hope it is going to FO. Lots of great choices out there with a budget to match, so far I am not keen on your choices. I am an equipment junkie so if you need help I am willing to help.
 
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GrampsReef

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If you want to built a sump check out Fiji Cube they make kits, is the 55 gallon tank really narrow,? If so I hope it is going to FO. Lots of great choices out there with a budget to match, so far I am not keen on your choices. I am an equipment junkie so if you need help I am willing to help.
I really appreciate that. I will take you up on the help.

I determined that I cannot fit any of the sumps that I found inside of my stand. I designed and built the stand without any thought to adding a sump. It has a center support in the front and a center divider on the inside. Mistake on my part. I am designing a new stand for a 75 gallon tank. I think I will sell what I have and use the money to upgrade to the 75 gallon or maybe 100 gallon if space permits.
 

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Yates273

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If you decide to go with trigger just a heads up their sumps are awesome. No ,but they offer discounts on blemish sumps. These they offer up and will sell directly to customer. A few guys on another forum let everyone in on this secret and got awesome deals on Trigger sumps. I have the Ruby 36 and love it. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
 

Blue Spot Octopus

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http://www.lifereef.com/nano.html. You can check out Life Reef they are very popular on this site, he may have a sump that might work for you, another option is a used/new Red Sea Sump they use a two piece sump like your design.
The problem with typical 55 gallon tanks are the dimensions are hard to work with ask me how I know that.
You have mad wood working skills.
Everybody has a budget and the last thing I want to do is to blow your budget, this hobby should be rewarding without cleaning you out, it is Black Friday and you may want to make a gig purchase while you still can, the prices are not as good as last year, it seems the prices are going up everywhere, I prefer to buy used when I can, but some sales are too good to pass up.
 

Blue Spot Octopus

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picture 4/4 Your tank looks amazing, I would just add a Hang on the back skimmer
and you it is on sale, if you like I have a 10 off code if you want it.
You can buy this for a good price on the used market as well.
I know a guy who had that skimmer on a 60 cube and his tank rocked.
 
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GrampsReef

GrampsReef

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http://www.lifereef.com/nano.html. You can check out Life Reef they are very popular on this site, he may have a sump that might work for you, another option is a used/new Red Sea Sump they use a two piece sump like your design.
The problem with typical 55 gallon tanks are the dimensions are hard to work with ask me how I know that.
You have mad wood working skills.
Everybody has a budget and the last thing I want to do is to blow your budget, this hobby should be rewarding without cleaning you out, it is Black Friday and you may want to make a gig purchase while you still can, the prices are not as good as last year, it seems the prices are going up everywhere, I prefer to buy used when I can, but some sales are too good to pass up.
Thank you and thanks for the info. I'll check into Red Sea Sump.
 

DrZoidburg

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A sump 10-15% size of tank or larger should be good. I have always gone with as big that can fit including extra items. As long as the right sized heater, pumps etc.. will fit in sump.
 
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GrampsReef

GrampsReef

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picture 4/4 Your tank looks amazing, I would just add a Hang on the back skimmer
and you it is on sale, if you like I have a 10 off code if you want it.
You can buy this for a good price on the used market as well.
I know a guy who had that skimmer on a 60 cube and his tank rocked.
Thanks for the complement. I'll check this out. Sure beats trying to plumb my tank. Used would be okay by me.
 

X-37B

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If you are getting a larger tank get one with a corner overflow.
You dont need baffles on your sump.
This is a 40 breeder on my 120.
It has a filter sock, skimmer, media reactor, and a carx.
It was $50 on petco dollar days.
I run the same sump on my 45 frag system.
20211119_201113.jpg
 

X-37B

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@90's reefer yes it will work. Done something basic like this with just a 15 gallon container. Bonus points for the bungee cords.
Yea I hate sock holders, lol.
Makes it easier with the remote fuge drain too.
 

DrZoidburg

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Can only see tank.
Can see a little bit of it bottom right. Its cut off, but real basic. Heat, sock, return pump, and small hob skimmer on front of container. Worked this way for over a year before I tore it down. Really simple and stable. Was using for coral qt in a way.
 
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