Sump size...

[Digger]

...for a 125 gallon FOWLR? Getting prepared to build my intro back into the hobby after a 25 year hiatus by asking questions and doing research. What considerations should go into determining sump size?

Thanks for helping!! I'm starting to get excited!

 

[Serenity09]

From what I've heard and read you wanna go with as big a tank as the stand can hold. I have a 125 and am building one from a 55 gallon. The bigger the better.

 

[Digger]

Thanks for the reply! I'll try to get as big of one as I can then.

Thanks again!

 

[boardsurfer]

Yes, and more length is better than height, imo.

 

[Terrance]

I think a 55g is the biggest you can get to fit under your stand. Search "dimension of aquarium" on google. You'll get the footprints of aquariums.

 

[Serenity09]

Yea the 55 is pretty snug under the tank but it works out pretty good cuz of it's length

 

[EriksFish315]

More water volume the better so a big sump is a good idea.

 

[AquaRick]

I'd definitely go as big as you can go. If you're thinking about a 55g, I'd urge you to consider a 40G breeder. I have a 125 myself and went with a 40G as a sump. At first I was going to use a 55g, but decided to go for the 40g. It was wider to fit my skimmer, and best of all it had no middle brace. It's been a lot easier to work on my sump without that brace. Just a thought.

 

[Digger]

I looked at the 40 breeder but didn't think it would fit my stand. I'll have to give it another look. I like the depth and height of the 40 breeder.

 

[Digger]

55 or 40 Long?

Both are the same length and width, but the 40 Long is shorter. Would probably be easier to work on/in but the added height of the 55 would give more room for overflow.

Would the 40 Long have sufficient room for overflow or not?

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.