Sump help

[techo]

Hey guys,

So basically I am completely new to the whole sump thing, never head of it until this site.

I have a FW tank currently 55 gallon. But would someday love to update to a large SW. However, I want to get all of my research straight.

My biggest issue is understanding sumps...

Is it cheaper to buy a prebuilt sump, or build your own?

What styles of sump are there?

How big does a sump need to be relative to main tank size?

etc.

Also if anyone has any links, guides, videos, advice, or step-by-step instructions to build your own sump, I would LOVE to hear it!!!

If anyone can send me information I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for helping a fellow hobbyist learn some new tricks

 

[techo]

pictures please!

 

[carey]

I have purchased the prebuilt ones and have my own homemade ones. here are some pictures of the different sumps/refugiums I have running. Hope it helps

 

[AquariumAddiction]

following - very interested

Pre-Built version cost vs building my own

 

[techo]

Hey Carey

Which do you prefer the ones you bought or home built? And budget wise?

 

[carey]

I spent $300 total on the eshopps refugium which included the macro light. Thats rated for a 200g tank.

I bought a store made "homemade" sump that was approximately $200, it's a 20g tank with baffles pretty much and a filter sock holder.

The 60g tank is just that, a 16g tank i got for $60 as a complete kit ( heater, light etc). This one I did not add baffles too, the skimmer i am using does not produce much in micro bubbles so I left it out.

You can catch petco's $1 a gallon sale on tanks and get a 20g long tank for $20. Then just add some baffles and a filter sock holder ( approx $30). It can be ALOT cheaper to make your own but I didn't want to glue baffles in so I went the easy way.

 

[carey]

Hey Carey

Which do you prefer the ones you bought or home built? And budget wise?

To be honest, the pre made one was a breeze to setup BUT you are restricted by the premade sizes of each compartment. I have a skimmer literally jammed into the eshopps sump, I mean there isnt an inch of room left in there. lol

the homemade ones you can customize to the size of your skimmer and return pump and get the most out of the sump.

Just my opinion and experience.

 

[bavass]

hey carey is that new Warner Marine Mf skimmer i see? That blue looks awful familar

 

[carey]

Nope, I run an eshopps in the 125g and the 60g and an octopus in the 90g.