ESHOPPS or DIY sump?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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Aparker2005

Exodon
MFK Member
Oct 21, 2015
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Trying to decide on a sump for my 125g. My lfs is doing an employee discount on all the equipment I'm getting. They have eSHOPPS pre made sumps in Stock so I was wondering about getting one?

Or would it be easier and cheaper to go the tank or Rubbermaid tub and do a trickle 3 drawer tower type diy sump?

Only thing about the Rubbermaid is there won't be any dividers other than the drawers. Is that an issue really?

Also worry about the Heaters in a Rubbermaid. That's if I don't get a glass tank. Thanks!
 
Buy a 40 breader on the dollar a gallon sale and a storage rack for 15 bucks same thing way less money and you can have better and more mechanical. Just my opinion. My sump cost me 15 because I hade the heater and tank on hand pump was another 150 tho
 
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I prefer a repurposed acrylic tank....Craigslist, eBay...etc...
open sump with a filter box for mechanical.
Creativity is the key to a diy....a premade sump is sweet if the funds allow. Eshopps probably makes the best one for the money and all the guesswork is answered when you buy pre fab.
But, diy lets you spend the money saved on the media, return pump and heater/s...
Just listen to that voice inside and go with what it tells you. If you are honest about your level of creativity and you are comfortable with a little ingenuity, a diy is the way to go in my opinion.
 
Dollar a gallon sale 40 breeder with half a storage tower from Target. Holds 10 gallons of bioballs. Used pvc pegboard as a drip tray. Using on my 180.

20150503_125218.jpg
 
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What monkeybike did is almost exactly what I did but I used a rubbermaid which withstands the beatings of my clumsiness and you can fit more stuff in it. Plus, it allows for more error in calculations with the water flow. I used the 3 drawer system to allow for both mechanical (filter pads) and bio (lava rocks) because it was a ray tank and it so poop level was high. This was for a custom 280 and it freaking rocked better than any system I've ever owned and all cost me about $100 which included all plumbing and a used Mag 9.5 pump. Already had the heater which was one of those titaniums with the remote and suction cups so it never touched the plastic. Besides, with enough water flow in there, you won't have to worry about it touching too much. But hey, what do I know, I'm only a freaking genius.... lol
 
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