Sump | Synergy or Trigger

tallreefguy · 02/19/2016, 10:20 AM

I'm re-building my 180g reef, and I'm looking to get a nice, built sump.
I'm looking to run a seperate Fuge, with an overflow going into the fuge then into the sump. I also have an external skimmer.

I plan on running the Ecotech Vectra L1 or Reeflo Dart as a return with about 6' run up to the tank.

Currently, I'm looking at a Synergy CL-44 (White & Red) and a Custom Trigger Emerald (44x18x15).
I haven't been able to find a lot on Synergy sumps, and was wondering if anyone had any impressions or opinions on them.

I like the build of the Synergy more, but I do like the thumb screws for the removeable overflow compartment if it needs cleaning or a fish gets stuck in there.

soulpatch · 02/19/2016, 10:35 AM

I was going to go Synergy and at this point wish I had. I went with a trigger ruby elite due to space concerns of my original build and timing for synergy. My build went in a different direction and had more room where I could have benefitted from synergy sump.

I got to see them at both MACNA and Reefapalooza and talk to them for quite a bit. I was impressed. The other 2 custom I was looking into were building an obsession and life reef.

tallreefguy · 02/19/2016, 10:40 AM

Why do you say "you wish you had"? What didn't you like about the Ruby?

soulpatch · 02/19/2016, 10:47 AM

Really only thing I dont like about it is the size of the refugium. I have gone custom on nearly everything else in the stand so I wish I had gone custom with the sump as well. A larger refugium and ditch the socks for a pad area like you can get on the emerald, synergy, bao, and other sumps but not on my ruby.

With a custom I could also have bulkheads with push connect fittings installed for a cleaner look for dosing lines, reactor returns, ato and such.

The ruby is a great sump as a sump. The refugium is working fine for me though I would want larger (dont we always). It is just the small things you can get with a custom that are nice to have later down the line to keep things tidy. If you are ok with not having a show worthy stand interior then save some coin and grab a trigger sump...

vanillagorila · 02/19/2016, 10:48 AM

Elite Aquatics makes a very nice sump. I have one and would buy from them again. Great communication and excellent quality.

karsco · 02/19/2016, 11:50 AM

I would second Elite Aquatics, very easy to deal with and will build what you want. I bought and RS-40 sump with some modifications, it turned out great!

tallreefguy · 02/19/2016, 12:54 PM

I don't need a fuge area - I have a 40g breeder I'm going to implement on top of the sump.
I do, however, like the trigger mid-panel - but because the flow hole is 1/2 way down the panel, it'll help keep bubbles away from the return area.
If I do get a synergy, I'll probably request to leave that divider area out.

So far Synergy (vanessa) has been fantastic to work with. Great communication. Dave @ Trigger only seems to get back with me at 11pm at night....

I'll check out Elite Aquatics also.

mbrady · 02/19/2016, 01:09 PM

I purchased a custom 36" sump from Synergy Reef and they did an excellent job. Vanessa is good person and easy to work with.

MelloW33 · 02/19/2016, 01:19 PM

I have a Synergy Reef SS-34 and the quality is incredible.

Settings · 02/19/2016, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulpatch

Really only thing I dont like about it is the size of the refugium. I have gone custom on nearly everything else in the stand so I wish I had gone custom with the sump as well. A larger refugium and ditch the socks for a pad area like you can get on the emerald, synergy, bao, and other sumps but not on my ruby.

With a custom I could also have bulkheads with push connect fittings installed for a cleaner look for dosing lines, reactor returns, ato and such.

The ruby is a great sump as a sump. The refugium is working fine for me though I would want larger (dont we always). It is just the small things you can get with a custom that are nice to have later down the line to keep things tidy. If you are ok with not having a show worthy stand interior then save some coin and grab a trigger sump...

Can we see some pictures of sumps with pads instead of socks?

soulpatch · 02/19/2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Settings

Can we see some pictures of sumps with pads instead of socks?

look up lifereef, trigger emerald, or synergy pics and you will see plenty where they run a coarse foam pad instead of filter socks.

tallreefguy · 02/19/2016, 02:17 PM

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/emeral...r-systems.html

If you click on a couple of the pictures, you'll see the pad on top of the socks.

EvenFurther · 02/19/2016, 02:26 PM

BAO Building An Obsession makes some really nice standard and custom sumps too. Def worth checking out.

02/19/2016, 10:20 AM	#1
tallreefguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 269	Sump \| Synergy or Trigger I'm re-building my 180g reef, and I'm looking to get a nice, built sump. I'm looking to run a seperate Fuge, with an overflow going into the fuge then into the sump. I also have an external skimmer. I plan on running the Ecotech Vectra L1 or Reeflo Dart as a return with about 6' run up to the tank. Currently, I'm looking at a Synergy CL-44 (White & Red) and a Custom Trigger Emerald (44x18x15). I haven't been able to find a lot on Synergy sumps, and was wondering if anyone had any impressions or opinions on them. I like the build of the Synergy more, but I do like the thumb screws for the removeable overflow compartment if it needs cleaning or a fish gets stuck in there.

02/19/2016, 10:35 AM	#2
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	I was going to go Synergy and at this point wish I had. I went with a trigger ruby elite due to space concerns of my original build and timing for synergy. My build went in a different direction and had more room where I could have benefitted from synergy sump. I got to see them at both MACNA and Reefapalooza and talk to them for quite a bit. I was impressed. The other 2 custom I was looking into were building an obsession and life reef. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

02/19/2016, 10:47 AM	#4
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	Really only thing I dont like about it is the size of the refugium. I have gone custom on nearly everything else in the stand so I wish I had gone custom with the sump as well. A larger refugium and ditch the socks for a pad area like you can get on the emerald, synergy, bao, and other sumps but not on my ruby. With a custom I could also have bulkheads with push connect fittings installed for a cleaner look for dosing lines, reactor returns, ato and such. The ruby is a great sump as a sump. The refugium is working fine for me though I would want larger (dont we always). It is just the small things you can get with a custom that are nice to have later down the line to keep things tidy. If you are ok with not having a show worthy stand interior then save some coin and grab a trigger sump... __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

02/19/2016, 10:48 AM	#5
vanillagorila It stings the nostrils Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surprise, Az Posts: 1,862	Elite Aquatics makes a very nice sump. I have one and would buy from them again. Great communication and excellent quality. __________________ "Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten" Current Tank Info: 60g cube, Elite Aquatics cube sump, ATB 840, AI Hydra 26 x2

02/19/2016, 01:19 PM	#9
MelloW33 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 591	I have a Synergy Reef SS-34 and the quality is incredible. __________________ Mark

02/19/2016, 10:40 AM	#3
tallreefguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 269	Why do you say "you wish you had"? What didn't you like about the Ruby?

02/19/2016, 11:50 AM	#6
karsco Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 645	I would second Elite Aquatics, very easy to deal with and will build what you want. I bought and RS-40 sump with some modifications, it turned out great!

02/19/2016, 12:54 PM	#7
tallreefguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 269	I don't need a fuge area - I have a 40g breeder I'm going to implement on top of the sump. I do, however, like the trigger mid-panel - but because the flow hole is 1/2 way down the panel, it'll help keep bubbles away from the return area. If I do get a synergy, I'll probably request to leave that divider area out. So far Synergy (vanessa) has been fantastic to work with. Great communication. Dave @ Trigger only seems to get back with me at 11pm at night.... I'll check out Elite Aquatics also.

02/19/2016, 01:09 PM	#8
mbrady Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 96	I purchased a custom 36" sump from Synergy Reef and they did an excellent job. Vanessa is good person and easy to work with.

02/19/2016, 02:17 PM	#12
tallreefguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 269	http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/emeral...r-systems.html If you click on a couple of the pictures, you'll see the pad on top of the socks.

02/19/2016, 02:26 PM	#13
EvenFurther Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 352	BAO Building An Obsession makes some really nice standard and custom sumps too. Def worth checking out. __________________ Slowly Building: 38 Gal. DT Cube \| DIY Sump \| DIY Stand