Trigger sump orientation

ryudo80 · 2026-10-25T12:13:01-0400

I'm in the process of plumbing out my system. This is my first system with a sump. I had my tank custom built for left side overflow and right side return with the typical sump where the drain lines are on the left and the return chamber on the right. While waiting for my tank to arrive, I found a very good deal for a used Trigger 36E sump. It's layout not ideal but I thought I could make it work. Now that I'm trying to plumb the tank with the sump, I'm not sure what's the best orientation of the sump as it's orientation is reversed from that I had in mind.

Initially, I thought I could rotate the sump 180 degrees (option 1) with the drain and filter socks area towards the left front and have the drain line come down from the overflow, going forward horizontally and drop down. I thought I can just reach back and change the filter socks that way. I've placed my skimmer in there and realized lifting the skimmer cup may be diffcult with the drain pipes above. This orientation, the return line will be easy and have less distance to travel.

If I orient it the way it's meant to be (option2 ), my plumbing for drains and return will be crisscrossed, with the return line have a much longer run. The effect on the drain lines will probably need some extra turns if I want to keep my drain lines at 90 degrees angles with the stand.

Which option do you think it's best for my setup? With option 1, can I add some extra turns on the drain lines to avoid being over head of the skimmer?

Below are pictures of the sump and tank.

mcarroll · 2026-10-26T01:57:36-0400

Personally I don't like being constricted like this with a pre-designed sump. Maybe just outfit something like a 40 or 50 Breeder? (Will the stand fit a 60 Breeder?) Any budget left to have a sump built how you want it?

ryudo80 · 2026-10-26T09:42:28-0400

I am beginning to realize this as well. I had my stand professionally built by the tank manufacturer. It's made out of plywood so there is a lot of room under the tank. Also, the only way to take the sump in and out of the stand is by removing the middle back vertical support. Whatever sump I put in there is basically permanent unless I drain the tank.

I think I probably have to get a different sump that meets my needs or get one small enough that I can fit through the front doors. I've tested with a cardboard cut out and a sump I can fit through the doors is around 35x16 by pivotting the sump diagonally. I don't plan to run many equipment in the sump. Just a skimmer, heater, refugium for some chaeto, a return pumo, an ATO, and a doser for All for reef.

The tank is 72x24x24 but I've measured the interior dimensions and it will probably hold just around 142g of water if no rocks. The return lines are drill 1/2" below the weir bottom so I don't think there will be much syphon back. Perhaps I can get away with a smaller sump.