Help with sump decission

tmccaffery · 03/07/2018, 12:48 PM

I have a redsea max 170e and looking into either getting redsea sump or trigger systems emerald cube 20 which I think would fit. The redsea sump don't have a fuge for one and the top off is small. I am guessing if I go with trigger systems emerald cube I will need the plumbing kit. Suggestions?

LQT · 03/07/2018, 04:26 PM

Yeah, with the aftermarket sump, you’ll need the plumbing kit. If you buy the Red Sea sump kit, it comes with the plumbing kit. In both cases, you’ll need an external ATO reservoir, unless you want to use the Red Sea ATO reservoir and refill it every 3 days. If you’re into DIY, I have seen people successfully convert their Red Sea ATO reservoirs into a refugium. If it were me however, not being a fan of refugium light spill mucking up my skimmer and other sump gear with nuisance algae, I’d look into getting an algae reactor, like the Skimz MBR 127 (as light spill is contained) if you want to use chaeto for nutrient export.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mbr12...SABEgKRrfD_BwE

tmccaffery · 03/07/2018, 06:43 PM

So if I went with Red Sea Sump and I get this Algae reactor than I don't need a fuge correct? Decisions; decisions. The price for red sea sump and kit found for $299.99; Trigger Systems would be around $400 with kit. I have a 10 gallon tank which I am going to use for ATO and put it in back of tank.

tmccaffery · 03/07/2018, 06:45 PM

I am guessing also need a skimmer since I think cant use the skimmer with in sump maybe wrong. I had the sca 301 skimmer before and worked well not sure if I need a better one though.

LQT · 03/07/2018, 06:59 PM

Depends on what you want to use chaeto for. The reactor is good for primarily nutrient export, it may grow some pods, but not as effectively as a fuge does. A true refugium will allow you to grow pods, house any potential troublemakers and use chaeto for nutrient export. But a sticking point for me about using a fuge in such a small space is the light pollution and making a mess of the other gear in your sump. So my preference will always be the chaeto reactor, specifically that Skimz one for your tank.

03/07/2018, 12:48 PM	#1
tmccaffery Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 170	Help with sump decission I have a redsea max 170e and looking into either getting redsea sump or trigger systems emerald cube 20 which I think would fit. The redsea sump don't have a fuge for one and the top off is small. I am guessing if I go with trigger systems emerald cube I will need the plumbing kit. Suggestions?

03/07/2018, 04:26 PM	#2
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Yeah, with the aftermarket sump, you’ll need the plumbing kit. If you buy the Red Sea sump kit, it comes with the plumbing kit. In both cases, you’ll need an external ATO reservoir, unless you want to use the Red Sea ATO reservoir and refill it every 3 days. If you’re into DIY, I have seen people successfully convert their Red Sea ATO reservoirs into a refugium. If it were me however, not being a fan of refugium light spill mucking up my skimmer and other sump gear with nuisance algae, I’d look into getting an algae reactor, like the Skimz MBR 127 (as light spill is contained) if you want to use chaeto for nutrient export. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mbr12...SABEgKRrfD_BwE __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

03/07/2018, 06:59 PM	#5
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Depends on what you want to use chaeto for. The reactor is good for primarily nutrient export, it may grow some pods, but not as effectively as a fuge does. A true refugium will allow you to grow pods, house any potential troublemakers and use chaeto for nutrient export. But a sticking point for me about using a fuge in such a small space is the light pollution and making a mess of the other gear in your sump. So my preference will always be the chaeto reactor, specifically that Skimz one for your tank. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

03/07/2018, 06:43 PM	#3
tmccaffery Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 170	So if I went with Red Sea Sump and I get this Algae reactor than I don't need a fuge correct? Decisions; decisions. The price for red sea sump and kit found for $299.99; Trigger Systems would be around $400 with kit. I have a 10 gallon tank which I am going to use for ATO and put it in back of tank.

03/07/2018, 06:45 PM	#4
tmccaffery Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 170	I am guessing also need a skimmer since I think cant use the skimmer with in sump maybe wrong. I had the sca 301 skimmer before and worked well not sure if I need a better one though.