I'm actually looking at the RS-75. How's the build quality? Is it worth the price? Considering I'll have over $50 into converting a 10gal tank by the time i buy acrylic and make a filter sock mount and stuff, the Eshopps might be the way to go.
Build quality is top notch. It's a very useful piece of equipment. if the size works for you I would say it's worth the $100 or so to get it. Here are my reasons:
1) The size is very convenient. It's 18" long, 16" tall and 10" deep.
2) There is a place for a 1" bulhead and 4" sock (both supplied) so you just plug and play w/the drain line.
3) For microbubbles, there are two baffles with a foam block (sponge) in between. This is not ideal - I prefer the 3 baffles with no sponge but it is functional. You just need to take out the sponge every now and then and rinse it under tap water (not too frequently if you are using the sock).
As compared to converting a 10 Gal tank... well... there will be a lot of little things you have to do w/the 10 Gal tank to have it come close to usefulness. And even then it still won't be as good. The 10 G tank for startes is much shorter at only 12" deep and that's counting to the top of the rim. Those 4" are very useful (insurance) in a sump this size. Expense wise... well... you will need to get the baffles and silicone them in. Then you will (assuming the same functionality) need to get a sock/bulkhead adapter (Eshopps also sells one, but there are others). The latter runs about $30,- and then it's going to cost you some to get the baffles and some work to put them in. Oh and then a sock $7,- or so etc. and you are quickly diminishing the difference in cost.
I guess it depends how much you'd save but at this size I don't think you are saving enough to justify the effort. The cost difference would be much more significant with a larger sump (they tend to cost hundreds), at which point converting one of the standard glass tanks makes a lot more sense.
My personal feel is that I wouldn't do the 10G tank thing, but that's just me. And I am saying this after using that sump. If I didn't have very specific size restriction, I may have gone w/the 10G tank conversion but in retrospect I am glad that I was "forced" to go w/a real sump. In my situation the very specific size restriction - interior width of the BC29 stand - was just shy of 19" if I recall. So the 10g Tank would not fit. Meaning, that I would have had to go w/2 5G tanks, which complicated things significantly and as a result I rejected that idea.
But... good luck debating w/yourself... I spent weeks going back and forth in my head lol
Spacey
