What to look for in a sump? Refugium? ATO? Filter socks? cups?

[GuppyHJD]

Hello,
I am trying to figure out the many sump designs and options to put under my 120 Aqueon tank. The sumps I am looking at seem narrow (15-16" wide), the stand has almost 21 inches front/back.
1) Should I buy a sump or build one from a 40 gal breeder tank?
2) Do I need a refugium? ATO sorta makes sense?
3) I read people complaining about cleaning filter socks? cups?
4) Many of the sumps look small in the return pump section

I have been looking at Eshopps RS-200 (LFS sells), but also Ice Cap Reef Sump 30 ( I like the covers and ATO).


I am not thinking an Algae scrubber at this point.
Skimmers will be my next decision.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Refugium not required but offers benefits for nitrate control and removal. Return pump and skimmer are main mechanicals in a sump as are for some. . filter socks, red lighting and some rock rubble for bacteria support.

 

[thedon986]

I just built a sump from a 40 breeder using the Fiji Cube Triton kit. I wanted a nice big refugium and it still has about 12-14” for skimmer chamber, depending on how you size everything. My refugium will be about 10% of tank volume. Tank is not set up yet but looking forward to using it. A fuge is always a nice space to have I think

 

[GuppyHJD]

I just built a sump from a 40 breeder using the Fiji Cube Triton kit. I wanted a nice big refugium and it still has about 12-14” for skimmer chamber, depending on how you size everything. My refugium will be about 10% of tank volume. Tank is not set up yet but looking forward to using it. A fuge is always a nice space to have I think

Were you able to use silicon or did you need an acrylic epoxy?
Nobody seems to have the 40 breeder tanks near me....searching.