Looking for a Sump/Refugium

[martouf13]

Hey guys. I kept a reef aquarium years ago and just recently started back up in the hobby. My 55 reef tank is looking good but this time around I would like to have a sump. What would be a good sump that isn't to expensive for a 55gal tank? I found an Eshopps one that looks pretty good but I don't know much about sumps as I didn't use one before. My tank isn't drilled so I also need a hang-on overflow box.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24529
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18358

I found these and they look pretty good but I am unsure exactly how to set it up and also what return pump/hosing I should use. I also currently have a hang-on skimmer. Can I move it to the sump or do I have to get one for in-sump? Any help or suggestions are welcome.

Doesn't look like the Eshopps will fit. I am going to have to get one with a width of 10" max to fit under my tank in the stand. I think I may try to make one with a 10gal tank.

 

[96slowbra]

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=37

 

[martouf13]

http://www.elite-aquatics.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=37

Those are pretty spendy and look like they are made for much larger tanks. Whats your opinion on the Eshopps?

 

[whosurcaddie]

You could make your own with silicone and glass cut to your specification.. You could build it exactly to the dimensions you want and with the exact chamber setup you want. I also want to say that There is no way in hell I would ever pay 500 dollars for a sump when I could make the same exact thing for 100 bucks, but that's just me..

 

[martouf13]

You could make your own with silicone and glass cut to your specification.. You could build it exactly to the dimensions you want and with the exact chamber setup you want. I also want to say that There is no way in hell I would ever pay 500 dollars for a sump when I could make the same exact thing for 100 bucks, but that's just me..

I am in the same boat. I dont think the Eshopps one will work actually because I can only have 10" max in width. May have to build my own. I still need to use a overflow box. Can I use any overflow box with return pump? What kind of flow-rate will be best for me?

 

[whosurcaddie]

I am in the same boat. I dont think the Eshopps one will work actually because I can only have 10" max in width. May have to build my own. I still need to use a overflow box. Can I use any overflow box with return pump? What kind of flow-rate will be best for me?

Depends on the overflow? What size is the drain line most can handle 600 gph but you would need to know the size of the drain line. Also if you want the place to add filter socks you can build that on as well that's what I did with mine. I used a piece of acrylic and just cut out the right dimensions for the socks with a jig saw and they slide right in securely. I used silicone to secure it to the sump.

 

[martouf13]

What do you think of this?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23752

I unforunately don't have the means to make anything and buying it would be easier by far for me. It's not too expensive. Which overflow box and pump should I use with this? I like it because it already includes the filter sock and tubing. Also the dimensions are perfect.

 

[martouf13]

Depends on the overflow? What size is the drain line most can handle 600 gph but you would need to know the size of the drain line. Also if you want the place to add filter socks you can build that on as well that's what I did with mine. I used a piece of acrylic and just cut out the right dimensions for the socks with a jig saw and they slide right in securely. I used silicone to secure it to the sump.

So I just need to match the return pump GPH with the overflow GPH?