Which sump would you choose?

[Devilphish]

I’m re-setting up my tank. Built a new stand and it’s a little tighter than the original, which was falling apart, which leads me to question. Sump #1 is acrylic 9Dx15Hx23.5L. #2 is glass 15Dx13Hx30L and the one I originally used. I like having as much water as possible, but #2 leaves only approximately 1.5” on each sides and 3” in front.

I plan on starting with only a in sump skimmer, but the proper setup also had a ATS, reactor and doses supplied by a manifold off of the return pump. With #2 I don’t think that will be possible due to the limited space. I should have plenty of space for future expansion with #1 but less water volume. Ok, and in order to get #2 in and out of the stand I have to remove a piece of acrylic on the side of the stand, not structural (obviously) only covers the side opening of the side.

The DT is 23.5Dx10Hx35.5L

 

[griss]

To me, there’s no choice based on what you want to do, go with #1.

 

[wvned]

How high is the water level in the sump if the tank drains back? Does that need the extra height?

 

[Devilphish]

Thanks for the replies, but no. #2 has plenty of room for any flow back. That is not a concern.

Basically I’m looking for any major draw backs that I haven’t thought of if I go with #2. Is space inside the stand aroma the sump a huge concern? I’ll post a picture in a bit of it right now. Maybe that’ll help.

 

[Guygettnby]

I prefer larger, but a refugium is my personal choice. A larger foot print leaves more room for you equipment. Need to consider what skimmer you plan to use and what depth it needs to be for optimal performance also.

Running a slightly larger controllable return pump and manifold will also save you some space.

 

[Devilphish]

I think I've decided on the larger sump. It is what I have used in the past and fits what I've had. I'll have to make a new manifold and it would fit properly in this stand, but that's not a big deal. Just wish I could reuse the 4 gate valves in my old one. But one change I will definitely be making is feeding the manifold with flex tubing. The first one was all solid pvc and I had some vibration noise issues. I wish I had a picture of my old setup so I could work off of that, but no luck finding.