Need a sump/refugium for a 55g reef

[SaltSolutions1]

Hi all,

I just picked up a 55g tank already established and will be making a reef out of it. Right now I have an emporer 400 HOB and a HOB protein skimmer.

I need a heater, and I would like to make a sump for more water volume and a refugium for nitrates.

Any suggestions? Need cheap cheap cheap but functional.

 

[mcgyvr]

define cheap?
make or buy?
want to drill the tank for the overflow? is it tempered?

IMO you are looking at a minimum of $300-350 to add a sump to your system.
Something like a 40G breeder tank ($40) + diy baffles ($30) + return pump ($100) + overflow ($100) + plumbing ($50 min)

 

[SaltSolutions1]

define cheap?
make or buy?
want to drill the tank for the overflow? is it tempered?

IMO you are looking at a minimum of $300-350 to add a sump to your system.
Something like a 40G breeder tank ($40) + diy baffles ($30) + return pump ($100) + overflow ($100) + plumbing ($50 min)

I was going to make one. I have a 10g tank. If that is too small then it will have to wait. I can get an overflow and pump used pretty cheap.

 

[SaltSolutions1]

Couldn't I convert my Penguin Emperor Biowheel HOB filter into a refugium?

 

[mcgyvr]

IMO with such a small volume (like a 10G tank or a miniature filter box) is hardly worth the time/effort/cost.

Saltwater/reefing isn't a cheap hobby.. Do it right or regret it later IMO..

 

[someone19]

I have a 10 gal sump without baffles running two years on my 55. No refugium, just a sump for the equipment and ATO. It doesn't add much volume but it does work quite nicely. I built my stand with freshwater and a canister filter in mind but decided to go reef and only a 10 will fit.

 

[davocean]

W no baffles at all you will have no way to really maintain a consistant water level that is best to deal w/ skimmer level, power fail/back siphon issues, and you will most likely have micro bubbles that will reduce water clarity.
I personally would go as big as you can for a sump, at least 20g would be nice.
Petco I think still has their dollar a gallon sale going, or try CL
I would at least do one baffle for skimmer/drain area and one before return pump, an under so you avoid micro bubbles
first baffle should be about 3/4 tank height for water level, that should give space needed for back siphon water.

 

[Cyclist]

I had one built by Lee Mar. 1/4 glass and excellent work. It was way less than what is being charged for acrylic sumps the same size.