Help, first sump build! beginner choosing first sump

[Schulks]

I think I will try to get something a little bigger. Thank you though!

 

[VintageReefer]

I think I will try to get something a little bigger. Thank you though!

You’re welcome! Im going to post in the for sale threads.

Back to your original models, the ruby 30 has been running my tank for about 8 years and i really like it.

I love the sapphire also, but never ran it.

Crystal is value line of the ruby and is a solid choice also. These are all designed and built well.

 

[Schulks]

@SpyC Did you put a coarse sponge anywhere in your sump? I am thinking about using the large chamber for a refugium and am wondering how I could rig a sponge in between that and the new skimmer chamber.

Edit: Eh, I can figure it out I just wanted it to look nice I guess. lol

 

[SpyC]

@SpyC Did you put a coarse sponge anywhere in your sump? I am thinking about using the large chamber for a refugium and am wondering how I could rig a sponge in between that and the new skimmer chamber.

Edit: Eh, I can figure it out I just wanted it to look nice I guess. lol

I did not. the catch if you use the large area as a fuge is you won't be able to use a skimmer. if you do find a skimmer that fits in the small section, it most likely isn't going to add much value to your tank's filtration. For the sponge, you could try getting longer plastic thumb screws that are used for the height adjustment. Then put the sponge between the height adjustment and the wall. This will add new issues though. Like varying water height as the sponge gets clogged.

 

[mdpitts]

I'm going through a really rough time trying to decide what to do with my first upgrade from a Fluval Evo. I've been driving myself crazy figuring out if I can handle building / maintaining a sump or get an AIO drop in from Fiji Cube. I've been watching sump videos and thought this one was helpful. You might rethink what sump you are looking at after watching.

 

[Schulks]

I actually decided on the Trigger Sapphire cube 20. I didn't want the sump to run the 'exact' length of my stand and the 20 cube holds more water anyway. Also plumbing will be easier without having to go around my stand supports.


A cube sump for a square tank makes sense to me. lol

 

[VintageReefer]

Trigger Ruby 30 - in stock two places

TRIGGER SYSTEMS RUBY SUMP 30S

This sump can be used as a refugium or as a berlin style sump.Dual 4' diameter filter socks included.Dual perforated platforms.FREE SHIPPING!!!

www.liverocknreef.com

Trigger Systems Sump Refugium Ruby Red 30" - Everyday Free Shipping | eBay

Refugium section. At Reef2Land we have every size and every color. We can even have your sump custom made. Try us out. Dual platforms (SUMP model). This feature is on the SUMP model only. RUBY red coloring to block light and prevent unwanted algae growth in other section.

www.ebay.com

I got a monster skimmer in chamber 1


Chamber 2 can be a huge refugium
I’ve used for cheato


And I currently use with a 3” sandbed, algae scrubber, and live rock.


You get two media shelves for whatever you want. I use chemipure packs and matrix in a filter bag - those shelves ensure all of the water passes through the media you use, and it comes with coarse pads.

Chamber 3 is also large and holds my return pump and live rock, I’ve had a phosphate reactor in here for prior builds

Excellent sump, very versatile and tons of room. You don’t want a tiny refugium and you don’t want to have to be limited to what you can use your sump for

 

[Schulks]

Maybe I should get the Trigger Triton 20 cube because I like the size of the chambers and it is more versatile.

The Trigger 20 Cubes have about a gallon less water volume than the Ruby 30. They aren't as long but are 5" wider so they aren't really smaller. They'd also just fit better under my stand. The Ruby 30 will run the exact width and might make plumbing a bit awkward as I'd have to go around the supports to the bulkhead.

Would you still think the Ruby 30 would be better?

 

[VintageReefer]

Get the cube so you have some space leftover

 

[NancyFish]

I am considering pulling the trigger on this trigger cyrstal 30 sump. The only thing I don't like is it is only 12" wide. Will work great with the reefmat, it saves a ton of money, and I have no idea what I really want in a sump so why pay for extra dingies

Other contenders
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ruby-sump-30-trigger-systems.html - just not in stock or this is #1

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sapphire-sump-26-trigger-systems.html - if I didn't want a filter roller.. or a klir drop in ?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/fiji-30-advanced-reef-sump-2nd-gen-fiji-cube.html = the biggest possible fit but I've read bad reviews saying it is loud. Or where do I put my carbon?

What sump did you end up with, an cube? & does the reefmatnwork well?

 

[Schulks]

I have the Trigger Triton 20 cube. I think it is important to have a square tank when using a cube sump. You should be able to access the sump from the front and sides or when you fill up the sump with gear you wont be able to reach the chambers in the back very easy. Or you can have a really tall stand so you can reach over the things in the front.

I have the reefmat 250 and it takes up a lot of space. It is very tall too. I chose the triton 20 because it has a huge first compartment and the reefmat takes up about half of that space. The acrylic euro brace on the sump makes it so I can't fit it neatly on the edge; it has to sit in the middle. I also couldn't use the hang on bracket because of the euro brace. There is about 5" behind the reefmat that is wasted. Picture to try to show what I mean.
I did have to shave a little off the eurobrace to fit the power cord to the reefmat on the right side here.


I am happy with the reefmat but using it instead of the filter socks takes up a ton of room. There is probably a better way to fit it but this is where it is at. lol A different sump might have been better for it but the large compartment here worked out in the end.

 

[VintageReefer]

There is about 5" behind the reefmat that is wasted

Fill it with live rock

 

[Schulks]

Good idea. It might not have a ton of flow and I'll have to finagle it around the giant hose but at least it'll be doing something. I think most of the rest of the first compartment will be live rock too and a carbon reactor.

 

[NancyFish]

I have the Trigger Triton 20 cube. I think it is important to have a square tank when using a cube sump. You should be able to access the sump from the front and sides or when you fill up the sump with gear you wont be able to reach the chambers in the back very easy. Or you can have a really tall stand so you can reach over the things in the front.

I have the reefmat 250 and it takes up a lot of space. It is very tall too. I chose the triton 20 because it has a huge first compartment and the reefmat takes up about half of that space. The acrylic euro brace on the sump makes it so I can't fit it neatly on the edge; it has to sit in the middle. I also couldn't use the hang on bracket because of the euro brace. There is about 5" behind the reefmat that is wasted. Picture to try to show what I mean.
I did have to shave a little off the eurobrace to fit the power cord to the reefmat on the right side here.


I am happy with the reefmat but using it instead of the filter socks takes up a ton of room. There is probably a better way to fit it but this is where it is at. lol A different sump might have been better for it but the large compartment here worked out in the end.

Do you feel like the reefmat is worth all the space, like besides the socks, makes the rest of your maintenance better?

 

[Schulks]

This is my first sump build but this thing was very easy to setup and will take 3 minutes to replace probably once a month. I think the space I gave up could not be used better.

 

[NancyFish]

This is my first sump build but this thing was very easy to setup and will take 3 minutes to replace probably once a month. I think the space I gave up could not be used better.

I’m leaning that way, was originally looking at the trigger sump with their fleece roller built in or the reefmat which has better reviews it seems

 

[Schulks]

Yeah I thought the same way. Everyone likes the red sea roller but it does take up a lot of space. Maybe you can find a sump with a better fit for it.