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A Guide to Picking the Right Reef Sump for Your Setup

A Guide to Picking the Right Reef Sump for Your Setup

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Planning to upgrade your reef tank's sump or preparing for a new aquarium? This essential piece of equipment acts as the heart of your filtration system, and choosing the right one can greatly affect your aquarium's health and your maintenance routine. A well-designed sump not only improves your tank’s overall health but also makes maintenance easier. It’s important to consider both your current needs and potential future equipment upgrades. Here’s a closer look at how careful planning can benefit your reef setup for years to come.

Size Matters

Your new sump should hold at least 20-30% of your total system volume. This ensures stable water parameters and provides adequate space for essential equipment. Remember to account for equipment displacement when calculating working volume. What may look spacious when empty may become cramped once you add your protein skimmer, heaters, and return pump.

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Smart Compartment Design

Look for sumps with well-planned sections that create a logical flow path. The ideal setup includes a refugium area for beneficial macroalgae, a properly sized skimmer chamber, a clean return pump section, and space for additional equipment like dosing systems. Poor compartment design can lead to microbubbles in your display tank, which is a common frustration among reef keepers.

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Plan for the Future

As your reef aquarium grows and evolves, so will your equipment requirements. When planning your sump, assess not just what you need today but what could be necessary down the line. Consider the types of equipment you might want to incorporate in the future, such as additional skimmers, mechanical filters like the Klir Fleece Filter, or reactors for specific dosing.

Built-in probe holders, equipment mounts, and adjustable baffles make maintenance significantly easier. Easy access for cleaning and routine maintenance will save countless hours over your aquarium's lifetime.

Ensure the sump's plumbing connections match your existing setup or budget for necessary modifications.

Your return pump's flow rate must be compatible with the sump's capacity to prevent overflow issues.

Built-in probe holders, mounts, and adjustable baffles simplify maintenance as seen in IceCap V2 Reef Sumps.

Construction and Compatibility

When considering reef sump materials, both glass and acrylic have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. If you prioritize durability and scratch resistance, glass might be a better option. If you're looking for lightness and customizable design options, acrylic could be the way to go. Consider your own experience level, intended use, and how much maintenance you're willing to accept, and choose accordingly!

Reef Sump Accessories

Apart from common reef tank equipment like protein skimmers, filter socks, and return pumps, other accessories that support aquarium health and simplify maintenance include refugiums or freshwater reservoirs, live rock and macroalgae for nutrient removal, and ATO (auto top-off) systems to regulate water levels. Additionally, probe or heater holders are designed to conveniently mount on the side of the sump.

The Klir Fleece Filters help clean an aquarium by physically capturing waste and removing unwanted particles from the water.

Heater mounts securely hold aquarium heater(s) in place in a sump while providing adequate space for proper heat dissipation.

Maintain water quality with bio-bricks or spheres for healthy biological filtration.

IceCap Freshwater Reservoirs are designed to hold a fixed amount of top-off water for your ATO system.

Budget Wisely

Factor in the complete upgrade cost, including plumbing modifications, new equipment, and potential system downtime. A well-chosen sump is an investment that will serve your reef for years, making water changes easier and providing the stable environment your corals need to thrive.

Where's the Best Place to Buy Reef Sumps?

When it comes to purchasing a reef sump, you'll find a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to consider.

First and foremost, take a trip to your local fish supply store. These shops not only offer a trusted selection of reef sumps (often ones that their staff members personally use) but also provide valuable information and advice.
If you prefer a wider range of options, many online specialty fish supply stores feature extensive selections of reef sumps. This is an excellent choice for those who appreciate variety.
Additionally, don't forget to explore CoralVue's Outlet and Parts Store, where you can find open box or closeout reef sumps. You might just discover a great deal!

by PR Manager

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