sump size

[Rob Top]

Is there a general rule of thumb as to sump size?
I have a 240 and 110 I need to get sumps for. I was thinking of using my 2-75 gallon tanks, but then I don't have them as tanks...

 

[fishfarmer]

I try to go with the biggest size I can fit. You need to make sure you have enough space for water from the main tank to drain in case of power failure. Also figure in the amount of space a skimmer will take up and any other equipment you want to put in your sump.

My sump on my 55 gal is a 38 gal, but I only have about a 3rd of it filled with water. I like having a little extra space in case something happens with my water topoff reservior. I'd rather dilute my tank than send water to my downstairs neighbors.

My sump(amiracle wet/dry) on my 120 is probably only 40 gallons or so, my skimmer sits next to it. This is the smallest sump I would go with on this tank.

 

[Anonymous]

The largest you can get.

I only have a 20 gal sump for my 55, if I could I would have 100 gal sump for my 55

The more the merrier I always say, of course I am not omniscient like some people

Bryan

 

[krusty_krab]

On sump size...

Having as big as possible is good for diluting all the bad nutrients... what I wonder, is what is too big. In that if you want to do a bi monthly 20 percent water change, a bigger sump means more salt water to change out, hence more RO, more salt mix, more cost...

Any other detriments to "outsizing" a sump?

I am designing a system that will consist of around a 200 gal show tank, just starting to design the back end (sump, fuges, etc)

Not trying to poach the thread, thought those questions might be more pertinant to the orginal. :roll:

KK

PS- Fishfarmer- On sump size being big enough to hold tank water during a power outage, you mean only the volume displaced by the top tank until siphon is broken, which, if designed properly, should not be that much water. Am I wrong on this? I am referring to "reef-ready" overflow systems here. But even U-tubes can have a holl drilled in 'em right below the surface. Just curious. I havent owned a drilled tank/overflow yet, so I am fairly ignorant. :lol:

 

[fishfarmer]

Yes that is what I mean.