Just bought a 180 reef ready tank and Im trying to decide on diy or commercial sump. I can pick up a brand new 4ft double tower trickle sump for $150 and it just has that super clean look but a diy can be done cheaper. I know there are diy videos online,and i have done diy sumps in the past but Ive been out of the big tank hobby for many years. Im sure there have been new brainstorm ideas for sumps and media.
180 gallon filtration suggestions
- Thread starter Rogerdodger
- Start date
Since to me, a sump is simply a box to put media, and unsightly equipment such as pumps and heaters in. I use old, scratched up (cheap) tanks, and the bigger the better, to provide extra water volume, and working space for maintenance and proper plumbing.
There are no rules except the law of gravity.
The most common problems have arisen when I try to complicate the sump with baffles, and things that get in the way of and prevent regular maintenance.
Pumps need to taken in and out of the sump to be cleaned, mechanical media such as filter socks, and even bio media need to be regularly rinsed, pipes and plumbing need to be occasionally reamed out, so access for arms to work, unimpeded is very important.
And if flow gets blocked, you end up with a tank full of water on the floor.
There are no rules except the law of gravity.
The most common problems have arisen when I try to complicate the sump with baffles, and things that get in the way of and prevent regular maintenance.
Pumps need to taken in and out of the sump to be cleaned, mechanical media such as filter socks, and even bio media need to be regularly rinsed, pipes and plumbing need to be occasionally reamed out, so access for arms to work, unimpeded is very important.
And if flow gets blocked, you end up with a tank full of water on the floor.
If you want to spend $150 on a brand new sump that's tucked away in a cabinet that only you'll see then go ahead, seems like a waste of money to me. Especially when you've already got sump making skills. You can either give yourself a headache and attempt to make a ridiculously complex sump or keep it really simple snd do a five minute job one that does exactly the same. I know what i'd do.
Seems like everyone is using filter socks? I just use to use the blue filter media rolls over a drip tray. My idea for a sump is just a large heavy duty black plastic tote from home depot. 1or 2 buckets or two skinny kitchen trash cans to be used to hold bio media. As far as bio media,Im on the fence. Marine pure is supposs to be great,but Im considering cut up straws,or lava rock. Also considering using two pumps. One for each return. Heaters, 1 or 2 300 watts.
If you like that clean look buy the new sump if it’s the design you like. It’s only money lol there will be more. I run two 300 watts on my 210. I also run a ink bird heater controller and it’s the best $25 investment I ever made. Both heaters run the exact temp I set and turn on and off at the same time.
I agree with the use of things like totes and barrels, I use them myself.
A friend who keeps salt water species, and wants to hold water temp down put his sumps below the floor the display tank is on, in the cool basement. It also keeps the noise of splashing and moving water, and the hum and vibration noise of pumps away from the display/living area.
A friend who keeps salt water species, and wants to hold water temp down put his sumps below the floor the display tank is on, in the cool basement. It also keeps the noise of splashing and moving water, and the hum and vibration noise of pumps away from the display/living area.
Can get a lot in here. Thinking of using a 32qt tall kitchen trash can as the trickle tower.
