What size Sump??

[scott martin]

Hello everyone, I just found out that the sump for my previously owned 125 gallon reef tank is cracked so the LFS is telling me that I need a new Berlin sump. I have an Octopus Extreme 200 Protein Skimmer. Any ideas about what sump I really need for this tank?
Thanks,

Scott

 

[purplegorilla]

What kind of material is the sump made out of? Acrylic or glass? Either way, can't you just patch it up? Most people buy 40 gallon breeder tank and make a sump out of it. HOwever the sizes of the sump is dictate by the space you have. Is the sump located underneath the tank? Is it in a remote place? More information is needed.

 

[scott martin]

It is acrylic, but it is an older sump with bio-balls and the guy from the LFS says that it was designed prior to protein skimmers so there is not a waterfall wall to take out the micro bubbles that can be hazardous to the corals as they cling to the corals and dry out their skin. Not sure if this is good advice or if I am just being told that I need a new sump just for the sake of them being able to get a few hundred bucks out of me. The sump will be located below the tank in a stand so my available space will be slightly shorter than 72 inches long and slightly less than 18 inches deep. By the way, I have an Octopus Extreme 200 skimmer that will need to fit.
Thanks for the advice,

Scott

 

[mustangcaleb]

im also about to put a sump together for a 125g reef. i think im going to run a standard 55g glass tank baffled into 3 sections, tried and true. if you decide you want to make your own, maybe we can build them together. im in woodstock also and have enough 3/4" acrylic to make many many sumps

 

[scott martin]

Thanks Mustang Caleb for the offer. The LFS guy said the Berlin has a filter sock and waterfall wall to prevent microbubbles. Do you just build your own in a 55 gallon tank? Off to bed for the night.
Thanks again for the generous offer,

Scott

 

[mockery]

Scott I would read over this site. It has got some useful info about sumps.

 

[purplegorilla]

Filter sock is nice for the first few months. After that you will get tire of cleaning it every week. If you don't clean it, it will overflow and risks flooding your house. The only time I use filter sock is to polish the water from excess detritus.

To get rid of baffles, you need to have strategic planning of baffles, return pump, etc...The link that Mockery posts will give you a better understanding. You need to take in consideration of how big is the opening of the door to your stand.

 

[skriz]

I would go with the largest sump you can fit/afford. Not only will this give you more water volume, but more space inside the sump.

I love filter socks. Yes, they can be a pain if you don't have enough extras, but they're so worth it. Key is to have plenty of extra socks, so you can simply swap them out and wash them by the wash load.

 

[scott martin]

Wow, that is a relief because I was really worried about forgetting to clean my filter sock and creating a flood in my den. How often do you have to swap out your filter sock?
Thanks,

Scott

 

[skriz]

Scott Martin;549522 wrote: Wow, that is a relief because I was really worried about forgetting to clean my filter sock and creating a flood in my den. How often do you have to swap out your filter sock?
Thanks,

Scott

That's going to depend on how many you have, what micron you're using and how much particulate matter you have in your tank.

I have six 7" diameter filter socks running in my sump. They didn't last very long initially, but now I can go quite a while before changing them.

 

[scott martin]

Ok, I am still so new to the hobby that I don't really know how to reply. What I am relieved about is the guy at the LFS told me that the sump has an overflow that would direct the water back into the sump if I was to have a sock clog up and attempt to over flow.
Thanks again,

Scott

 

[skriz]

Scott Martin;549874 wrote: Ok, I am still so new to the hobby that I don't really know how to reply. What I am relieved about is the guy at the LFS told me that the sump has an overflow that would direct the water back into the sump if I was to have a sock clog up and attempt to over flow.
Thanks again,

Scott

Yeah, that's an MRC design element. What's that saying about a knock-off being the greatest compliment?

Look at the photo below. Can you see the overflow teeth in the filter sock section? This is so the water will flow into the sump, rather than out, in case of sock blockage. The inset lid will not only eliminate noise, but splashing too. :up:

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[scott martin]

Cool, the sump they recommend is a Berlin 125 with the 2 filter socks and waterfall wall. Does that sound like a solid recommendation?
Thanks,

Scott