Sump size for 225 gallon?

[airtime23]

Getting started on an equipment list for a 225 gallon mixed reef. The tank is 72" x 27" x 27".


How large should the sump be? Is there a good rule of thumb?

Thanks!

 

[viggen]

2-5 times a hour turnover is the rule of thumb

So 450-1175gph

 

[coker98]

The sump should be large enough to accommodate the size of the equipment needed for your tank.

I've seen 180 gallon tanks have a 30 gallon sump. I have a 187 gallon tank and a 40 breeder that isn't full as a sump. It holds a skimmer rated at 350 gallons, a return pump, a fuge and a couple of media reactors.

 

[worm5406]

I have a 120 and a 180 feed into a 75g sump.

It is more on available surface area and the filtration it provides.

I guess someone could design a tank that would not have a sump, but that would be calculated exactly. But an area would have to be set aside to hide the pipes for dosing and skimmer.

 

[ace_92101]

I'd get as a big a sump as you can fit. More water volume is going to give you more stability.

 

[Pife]

I'd get as a big a sump as you can fit. More water volume is going to give you more stability.

This had always been my belief as well.

 

[SkyHawk]

I'd get as a big a sump as you can fit. More water volume is going to give you more stability.

+1 I agree with this but keep in mind your increase in maintenance cost. A 15% water change will cost more in salt. You ll need more heating or cooling power. I have a 180 sump for my 225 and I love it. Yes it's more expensive to run than a 60gallon sump but it makes the system a lot more reliable when things go bad. And I can do a 61 gallon water change on the fly...

 

[ca1ore]

I have always tried to go for a sump that is between 1/4 and 1/3 the size of the display. Currently running a 75 gal sump on a 265 display. See no reason to go bigger unless you want a really big fuge.

 

[airtime23]

Thanks for the input, fellas!