attn: modern commercial sump designers

Gary Majchrzak · 09/23/2017, 08:50 AM

You are shooting yourself in the foot.
Please make your sumps "reversible" (ie: so flow can travel from right to left).
Stop making the "back wall" of your sumps opaque!

And some of you don't believe in filter socks so you don't include a sock holder.
Not smart!

And I want the option of a lid covering the WHOLE sump.
Leave it up to the aquarist whether or not to run a section uncovered!

And for goodness sakes what about external pumps?
Some of us still prefer them.

It looks like I'll be converting another glass aquarium to a sump again.
I figure to save at least $200 (but probably more!) and end up with something I can actually use!

Breadman03 · 09/23/2017, 09:37 AM

There’s a brand new 120 with a broken and missing center brace in my basement. I purchased it for a song just to make a sump. I’m just not sure exactly how I want it set up.

ca1ore · 09/23/2017, 09:38 AM

That why most 'serious' reefers make their own sump. It's trivial to do and you get exactly what you want. The next commercial sump I buy will be the first commercial sump I buy.

Gary Majchrzak · 09/23/2017, 09:40 AM

long time no see!

The good news: you can make that sump exactly how you want it!

Want 300watt (long length) heaters?
Want liverock or Chaeto or both?

Keep it simple. KISS! Cheap and effective!

Gary Majchrzak · 09/23/2017, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

That why most 'serious' reefers make their own sump. It's trivial to do and you get exactly what you want. The next commercial sump I buy will be the first commercial sump I buy.

I run a 75 gallon DIY sump right now. I'll be damned if I pay $500 for something smaller than what I already have.

billdogg · 09/23/2017, 09:47 AM

^^^x 1000^^^

I could never understand the "need" to buy a sump when it is so incredibly simple to make your own.

As for "The next commercial sump I buy will be the first commercial sump I buy", me too.

ca1ore · 09/23/2017, 09:12 PM

Plenty of better ways to waste money in this hobby than buying an overpriced sump with less than optimal utility. Mine is a repurposed oceanic 150. The only trouble with making your own sump is that inevitable moment, after its in use, when you realize the list of things you could have done better. I'm up to 5 so far.

DogueDeBordeaux · 09/23/2017, 11:00 PM

None of them are adding extra intake ports for Bean Animal drains. Most are usually two-1 inch bulkheads for the drains.
I like the the first compartment that overflows into the socks. Looks like it would make changing them out easier, and able to submerge the drains. Since so many have problems with socks clogging quickly having more than 2 would be nice. For people not using socks the media cups could be used.

I have never bought a sump either, but currently looking at whats available.

Fredfish · 09/23/2017, 11:44 PM

I can't see buying a commercial sump either. I don't want tiny cramped compartments that are hard to work with.

Some of them sure are purdy though.

ReefCowboy · 09/24/2017, 09:08 AM

I went with a local acrylic custom builder, best thing Ive ever done. Designed one that best fit the inside of the stand, with all features I needed.

If you want to do a glass one, DIY is very easy, while making it look very good. IMO using cheap tanks as sumps is a bad move, as sumps are also a neat place to visit just like the tank.

fcmatt · 09/24/2017, 09:31 AM

I think Cadillac sumps are a part of this hobby's one up man ship kind of mentality. When someone wants the best up top you either go super large or nada. Because many can afford the best up top as well. The difference between setups is often down below now to differentiate the omg setups from the ho-hum. In the end what is in the tank rules it all but that is harder then spending money. :-)

Every hobby has this segment. Nothing wrong with it. After all it trickles down to the rest of us eventually.

shaginwagon13 · 09/24/2017, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

You are shooting yourself in the foot.
Please make your sumps "reversible" (ie: so flow can travel from right to left).
Stop making the "back wall" of your sumps opaque!

And some of you don't believe in filter socks so you don't include a sock holder.
Not smart!

And I want the option of a lid covering the WHOLE sump.
Leave it up to the aquarist whether or not to run a section uncovered!

And for goodness sakes what about external pumps?
Some of us still prefer them.

It looks like I'll be converting another glass aquarium to a sump again.
I figure to save at least $200 (but probably more!) and end up with something I can actually use!

And for this reason I make my own sumps. None out there are built the way I want, and custom ones are insanely expensive.

I am trying a combination of stock tanks and sumps for my current system.

HippieSmell · 09/24/2017, 06:00 PM

I had mine custom made along with my tank. It's nice and simple, but some of the new sumps with built in roller filters look pretty nice.

Rene Obergfell · 09/27/2017, 06:05 AM

Ca1ore
What’s your list of 5 things?

Sumps are simple in their purpose.

The led lights give a nice touch to a sump

jacksonpt · 09/27/2017, 08:52 AM

Agreed, both with Gary's original point and Ca1ore's sentiment about hindsight improvements.

tkeracer619 · 09/28/2017, 12:17 AM

I've got this sweet custom 3/4" acrylic sump made by AGE.

Most off the shelf sumps you buy are made for the avg user. If you are looking for something exactly to your specs you either make it for yourself or custom order it.

I'm using bags and external pumps...

HippieSmell · 09/28/2017, 03:14 PM

Horses for courses, but who doesn't think the dreambox with roller filter is awesome?

http://royalexclusiv.com/Dreamboxen/...:::58_129.html

Gary Majchrzak · 09/28/2017, 03:42 PM

You have a rollermat(?)
Why didn't you pay several thousands more and get that box of wet dreams?

ca1ore · 09/28/2017, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene Obergfell

Ca1ore
What’s your list of 5 things?

Sumps are simple in their purpose.

The led lights give a nice touch to a sump

I repurposed an old oceanic 150 as my sump, with DiY baffles. If you know those tanks, they came with a large center glass brace, so ....

1. Should have removed the brace or at least ground a hole in it to make lighting the chaeto refugium easier.
2. Need another hole in one side for my chiller pump.
3. 30" is too tall for a sump, cannot reach the bottom easily.
4. Return section too small; refugium unnecessarily large
5. Should have plumbed 1 1/2" to my main pump rather than just 1".

ca1ore · 09/28/2017, 03:53 PM

Did I read that right ...... $7.5K for a sump ...... A fool and his money. They do look nice though

Pslreefer · 09/28/2017, 04:14 PM

My sump is a stock tank

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

d2mini · 09/29/2017, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

You are shooting yourself in the foot.
Please make your sumps "reversible" (ie: so flow can travel from right to left).
Stop making the "back wall" of your sumps opaque!

And some of you don't believe in filter socks so you don't include a sock holder.
Not smart!

And I want the option of a lid covering the WHOLE sump.
Leave it up to the aquarist whether or not to run a section uncovered!

And for goodness sakes what about external pumps?
Some of us still prefer them.

It looks like I'll be converting another glass aquarium to a sump again.
I figure to save at least $200 (but probably more!) and end up with something I can actually use!

This is why I go custom with something like a LifeReef or Building An Obsession.
Built exactly how I need it.

Funny about the socks though... i usually have the opposite problem... finding sumps that do NOT run sock! Not a fan.

MrsReefK · 09/29/2017, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

This is why I go custom with something like a LifeReef or Building An Obsession.

Built exactly how I need it.

Funny about the socks though... i usually have the opposite problem... finding sumps that do NOT run sock! Not a fan.

+1 on custom. We have a custom LifeReef sump as well and wouldn't go any other way.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

HippieSmell · 09/29/2017, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

You have a rollermat(?)
Why didn't you pay several thousands more and get that box of wet dreams?

The Wetdreambox (trademark) was but a twinkle in my eye when I bought the rollermat.

Seven grand is a lot, but it has a skimmer, roller filter and return pump. For 7k, I'll likely pass. But, for 5k? If I needed something to fit under my stand? Maybe. There's no way I'm redoing my setup now, though. Also, no fuge compartment.

ca1ore · 09/29/2017, 09:53 AM

I paid $150 for an older Oceanic 150, another $150 for precut and polished 1/4" glass baffles, and probably another $50 for silicone, bulkheads, some eggcrate and PVC piping. So $350 all in (plus sweat equity .... though it is a hobby) and I'd stack it up against any of these commercial sumps - any day, all day. Lots of ways to waste money in this hobby; overpaying for a sump doesn't seem like a good one.

Plus, to me, making stuff for the hobby is part of the fun of it. Whether a sump, ATS, stand ..... whatever. Though I accept that some people don't have the skills or inclination to do it.

All my opinion of course.

09/23/2017, 08:50 AM	#1
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	attn: modern commercial sump designers You are shooting yourself in the foot. Please make your sumps "reversible" (ie: so flow can travel from right to left). Stop making the "back wall" of your sumps opaque! And some of you don't believe in filter socks so you don't include a sock holder. Not smart! And I want the option of a lid covering the WHOLE sump. Leave it up to the aquarist whether or not to run a section uncovered! And for goodness sakes what about external pumps? Some of us still prefer them. It looks like I'll be converting another glass aquarium to a sump again. I figure to save at least $200 (but probably more!) and end up with something I can actually use! __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

09/23/2017, 09:37 AM	#2
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	attn: modern commercial sump designers There’s a brand new 120 with a broken and missing center brace in my basement. I purchased it for a song just to make a sump. I’m just not sure exactly how I want it set up.

09/23/2017, 09:38 AM	#3
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	That why most 'serious' reefers make their own sump. It's trivial to do and you get exactly what you want. The next commercial sump I buy will be the first commercial sump I buy. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/23/2017, 09:40 AM	#4
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	heya bud... how's it goin? long time no see! The good news: you can make that sump exactly how you want it! Want 300watt (long length) heaters? Want liverock or Chaeto or both? Keep it simple. KISS! Cheap and effective! __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

09/23/2017, 09:47 AM	#6
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	^^^x 1000^^^ I could never understand the "need" to buy a sump when it is so incredibly simple to make your own. As for "The next commercial sump I buy will be the first commercial sump I buy", me too. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

09/23/2017, 09:12 PM	#7
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Plenty of better ways to waste money in this hobby than buying an overpriced sump with less than optimal utility. Mine is a repurposed oceanic 150. The only trouble with making your own sump is that inevitable moment, after its in use, when you realize the list of things you could have done better. I'm up to 5 so far. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/23/2017, 11:00 PM	#8
DogueDeBordeaux Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Shelby,NC USA Posts: 760	None of them are adding extra intake ports for Bean Animal drains. Most are usually two-1 inch bulkheads for the drains. I like the the first compartment that overflows into the socks. Looks like it would make changing them out easier, and able to submerge the drains. Since so many have problems with socks clogging quickly having more than 2 would be nice. For people not using socks the media cups could be used. I have never bought a sump either, but currently looking at whats available. __________________ Scott Last edited by DogueDeBordeaux; 09/23/2017 at 11:14 PM.

09/23/2017, 11:44 PM	#9
Fredfish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 2,661	I can't see buying a commercial sump either. I don't want tiny cramped compartments that are hard to work with. Some of them sure are purdy though. __________________ Advice is like a firehose. Be careful how you drink.

09/24/2017, 09:08 AM	#10
ReefCowboy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,742	I went with a local acrylic custom builder, best thing Ive ever done. Designed one that best fit the inside of the stand, with all features I needed. If you want to do a glass one, DIY is very easy, while making it look very good. IMO using cheap tanks as sumps is a bad move, as sumps are also a neat place to visit just like the tank. __________________ Rimless 150 Gal Sps System: Giesemann Spectra/New Apex/2x MP40qd's+ 2x Gyre XF250's/Cor20/Custom Stand, Sump and Algae Scrubber/2x DOS dosing/Skimz Octa 205i Skimmer

09/24/2017, 09:31 AM	#11
fcmatt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 850	I think Cadillac sumps are a part of this hobby's one up man ship kind of mentality. When someone wants the best up top you either go super large or nada. Because many can afford the best up top as well. The difference between setups is often down below now to differentiate the omg setups from the ho-hum. In the end what is in the tank rules it all but that is harder then spending money. :-) Every hobby has this segment. Nothing wrong with it. After all it trickles down to the rest of us eventually.

09/24/2017, 06:00 PM	#13
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	I had mine custom made along with my tank. It's nice and simple, but some of the new sumps with built in roller filters look pretty nice. __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

09/27/2017, 06:05 AM	#14
Rene Obergfell Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 71	Ca1ore What’s your list of 5 things? Sumps are simple in their purpose. The led lights give a nice touch to a sump

09/27/2017, 08:52 AM	#15
jacksonpt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Vestal, NY Posts: 3,679	Agreed, both with Gary's original point and Ca1ore's sentiment about hindsight improvements. __________________ Jackson - All advice I give is based on my first hand experience. YMMV. Current Tank Info: 38g (mostly LPS) with a 20g sump/fuge and all the other standard goodies

09/28/2017, 12:17 AM	#16
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I've got this sweet custom 3/4" acrylic sump made by AGE. Most off the shelf sumps you buy are made for the avg user. If you are looking for something exactly to your specs you either make it for yourself or custom order it. I'm using bags and external pumps... __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k. Last edited by tkeracer619; 09/28/2017 at 12:24 AM.

09/28/2017, 03:14 PM	#17
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	Horses for courses, but who doesn't think the dreambox with roller filter is awesome? http://royalexclusiv.com/Dreamboxen/...:::58_129.html __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

09/28/2017, 03:42 PM	#18
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	Hipsmell You have a rollermat(?) Why didn't you pay several thousands more and get that box of wet dreams? __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

09/28/2017, 03:53 PM	#20
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Did I read that right ...... $7.5K for a sump ...... A fool and his money. They do look nice though __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/28/2017, 04:14 PM	#21
Pslreefer In Memoriam Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Port St Lucie, FL Posts: 597	My sump is a stock tank Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk