Trigger Systems Ruby 36 vs Eshopps RS-300 vs Aqueon Model 4

[exsequor]

I think I had a change of heart. I was originally planning on running my 150g as a aggresive fowlr, but I have intended to do some coral regardless, because I have 4 reef tanks right now, and plenty of frags.

So I know what I'm getting into. Currently I'm running a few small refugiums, but after looking at the Aqueon 4's "skimmer compartment" it's horrible. No thanks.


The eshopps still seems reasonable, however a good refugium is out of the question.

Which leaves me with...Trigger Systems ruby 36... for $90 more I get a sump with a ACTUAL skimmer compartment, an ACTUAL refugium compartment, and an ACTUAL probe / media compartment (for live rock rubble, carbon, etc).

It now seems stupid to consider the eshopps, even if i'm not going to be running a super reef, even a few larger coral specimens mixed in with a triggerfish, and some other larger, aggressive fish mixed in, it seems silly to not have a refugium and to be limited by the eshopps.

I'm thinking if I knew for a fact I was just going to do fowlr, I'd just go with the eshopps rs-300, but since I have a lot of coral growing, thus "free" frags for myself, I'm sure I'll do some corals in there, and then I'd probably regret not spending the extra money on the Trigger systems sump. Money isn't too much of a factor on this. I don't want to spend more then $400 on a sump. But $260 vs $280 vs $354 isn't a big difference in my book. I guess by that logic $454 isn't "too bad" for adjustable water height throughout, but nah, I believe a trigger systems regular ruby 36 would go above and beyond my needs. Which would be better then buying a near $300 sump such as a eshopps or proflex and being limited, and basically throwing my money away???:?

 

[mikeatjac]

The eshopps is poorly designed. I had to do major modifications but finally tossed it. The Trigger system is well made and has a good design.

 

[steelcaveman]

I would save up and get a Precision Marine or a Bashsea. Sometimes they are on sale. I have the Eshopps R200. The quality is definitely a step down.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[BlurrVT]

I have a Trigger Systems sump and although it's not the same model you're looking at, I can say the build quality is excellent. I plan on sticking with them and getting a larger one when the time comes to upgrade.

 

[soulpatch]

I have the trgger ruby elite 30 on my current setup and have a custom trigger emerald 39 coming to me this week. Build quality is top notch but the ruby elite gave me some concerns with where the refugium section was and that the socks were behind the skimmer. I would personally skip the elite for this reason. You didn't mention it but I am. In a stand having to go around plumbing and such to get to the refugium or socks is a pain.

You will still have a similar issue with the regular ruby in regards to the socks behind the skimmer but that is typical of most sumps and more easily managed.

Nonetheless I have gone back for another sump due to the awesome quality of the sumps. For the price they are hard to beat and trust me I was dead set on going custom with Synergy or BAO before wife reigned me in on costs and I found out Trigger will do custom colors and such without added costs if you ping them.

 

[exsequor]

I'm going to either get the Ruby 36 or the equivilent TideLine (professional) model for $100 more, if my stand will fit the mock up I am making, then I will likely go with the TideLine due to the 7" socks versus 4" socks. My dealer can get me a Ruby 36 for $336+tax which is a good deal as you can find..

 

[cougareyes]

I have a 210 fowlr and run the eshopps rs-300. It is straight forward, quiet and easy to access, each compartment big enough for it's use. I overfeed, triggers, puffer, etc.; so I would still consider a refugium if I had it do over, to help with nutrient export.

 

[dkeller_nc]

Just a thought, but I'm guessing a 34g sump (the Ruby 36) is pushing it for a 150g tank. The 34g capacity is full-to-the-brim, and doesn't count the volume taken up by skimmers, pumps, reactors and so forth.

If you already have the tank, I'd suggest carefully calculating the volume that will drain into the sump if the power goes out or the return pump fails.

 

[reefteaser]

Just chiming in on Trigger, I have an Emerald 39 and their 10 gal reservoir. Quality and visual appeal are great. The 3 socks are "squeezed" a big to fit. I thought that two would do the job and make changing the socks a little easier. They cut me a new sock holder at no charge, just the shipping cost.