Week 3: Sumps - What do they do, and which should you select? | 52 Weeks of Reefing

Welcome to Week 3 of 52 Weeks of Reefing. This week we are unveiling our custom made sump from Rick at Synergy Reef, as well as covering different types of sumps and which might be best for you!
#BRS160
www.bulkreefsupply.com/sumps-t...
A sump can mean a lot of different things to different people but it’s really just a place to install equipment that wouldn’t fit in or on the tank itself and helps makes sure the tank looks clean and presentable in your living space. There are a few different options out there for sumps today. All In One, DIY, retail, and custom sumps are all potential options.
Innovative Marine offers one the more complete solutions for a sump in the form of their Nuvo series of tanks. These tanks have the sump built right into the back of the tank and allow you to hide equipment out of site.
DIY options offer a little more customization since you yourself get to design, build, and maintain the sump. It can be a little work to produce a DIY sump, however it is often cheaper than other options and allows you the greatest control of the design.
Off the shelf models are often a good choice. They offer a good array of features and quality at an affordable price. Aqueon and Reef Octopus both make models that we would recommend.
We chose to go custom with a Synergy Reef sump since they’re a company that lives and breathes reefing, are available to accommodate custom needs, and produce sumps with incredible aesthetic appeal. The anatomy of a sump can vary from model to model. In this case we went for a sump with a blend of high end features that fit our needs. Rick at Synergy Reef was super patient with our design process, staying in constant contact with us to make sure everything went as planned.
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@firebirdude2]

You know what I like best about BRS videos? They're real. They're real, direct, and easy to understand. I don't feel like you're trying to sell me something. It's all about the education. Big ups you guys!

[@gsacksmn]

firebirdude2 Totally agree. These are true hobbyist-to-hobbyist videos. The ones that I've seen recently from one of the other mail order shops are really just product promotions.

[@epicnas12342]

Build is coming on amazingly, keep up the great videos.

[@curlysearcher1]

Outstanding. Just what you expect from BRS.

[@RaindropServicesNYC]

This is a great no nonsense video. Yes, it is an infomertial, but it's also informative.

[@maxxiang8746]

true BRS videos are better than some others like umm maybe md

[@yoheh]

Would love it for them to revamp this series with time stamps to specific parts of the videos now that its a feature on KZbin

[@Longday709]

That Synergy sump may be the single most beautiful piece of reef equipment I have ever seen! Absolute perfect combination of form and function, I would display the sump!!

[@915Mang]

Robert Parker Check out Primo Reef, His work is pretty impressive. But I do like the Synergy set ups too. Really I like that everyone is stepping up their game to give us better products. Im always interested in someones Sump. They are just as nice as the display in my opinion.

[@jameswagner1490]

Wow that sump is epic, each video is so packed with information i have to watch it twice and take notes.

[@mikeramos8914]

Great video. Making my own sump is coming soon... I enjoy watching your videos. Great references to go back while building.

[@AndreasC23]

A DIY sump is just something I CAN'T WAIT to get into further down the line. It's right down my alley.

[@gsacksmn]

***** At least here in MN, one Reef store has pre-cut acrylic for sale sized for both 20 long and 40 breeder tanks. I'm guessing you guys know which one, since they've been is some of your earlier videos. That made building my sump a piece of cake.

[@KN-ko8ez]

Those custom sumps are insanely nice!

[@andrewhales9771]

You guys are #1 in the whole saltwater aquarium world in my eyes!!

[@Robinsa]

Thank you. Great videos and a treat to watch.

[@pewheretic7967]

This series is so good that even the "legal stuff" disclaimer in the description was impressive!

[@gabbydube5757]

on week 4 the have time stamps

[@devanandpritam]

You guys Rock..!!!!!!! and I find no other so knowledgeable as you.... bcoz you put so much knowledge into these awesome series of REEF aquarium.......

[@potvinc2]

Love these videos. Keep them coming!

[@hhinojosareef1]

5 star video! Good info here!

[@coraljungsreefingstoryreef3067]

Really good clips~!!! Thank you guys very much for this awesome information~!!!

[@SteveRhee25]

great video. love the glass dyi segment, especially the breaking off the corner idea..

[@SteveRhee25]

Steve Rhee Perfect timing especially since I'm starting another 180 reef tank... and I just purchased my 40 gal glass breeder tank.

[@JordanWBarr]

Great video! So lots of options for the sumps themselves, but can you guys do an episode explaining exactly what features inside the sump you will need? Reactors? What kind? Filtrate? Etc??

[@ryanhudson6912]

Great sump!! Setting up my 50 gallon cube with overflow and return holes on the bottom of the tank. Built an easy access stand. Can't wait for the plumbing video! Seems intimidating right now a little for me. I don't really want a 50 gallon flood in my house so no pressure

[@jjiron706]

Informative and through-- great video brs

[@danc8845]

Great video! Informative series.

[@grumpbert]

Top episode again guys, really enjoying this :D

[@grumpbert]

I just keep hoping for a substantial lottery win so I can pay you guys to come to the UK to build a mega reef system for me!!! :D Hahaha!!

[@mitchellrobbins5073]

Great series so far guys. I'm setting up my first build soon, also with a Bean overflow and a DIY sump so these videos are very timely.

[@johanngarcia7290]

YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING

[@Baka_Mop]

I just finished making a sump with refugium using an extra tank I had. looks ugly as hell but it works great and now my display isnt cluttered with HOBs.

[@unkeldave7824]

I should have watched this before building my sump. I purchased a set of baffles off ebay; they were great, had cut slots where appropriate at a height that I requested to set the water level I needed. The detail they lacked and that I missed that you so accurately point out was the corners at the bottom. 8 months after setting up my tank and sump, with nice growth on most corals and a happy reefer new to the saltwater part of the hobby, a fan of cracks appeared over night, with the vertex at the bottom of one of the baffles. It's a slow leak and not a complete blowout luckily but I'm going to replace it with a commercial sump, crossing my fingers with a patch of silicone and glass over that side until it arrives.

[@typicallyusual6984]

That sump looks nicer than my glass tank 😂 (I do freshwater, though that’s irrelevant)

[@WHY70122]

lots of helpful tips. i literally cut one of my fingers all the way to the bone once with my diy sump project. i got my local ace hardware store cut the glass with pre-measured dimensions. i did not even notice how sharp the glass was till I did my maintenance. it was when i was trying to stick my fingers in between the baffle walls to clean up the algae. man, it did not hurt at all till i saw the water turning kinda red...

[@briansfishtanks]

Great video!

[@rossmerrigan3220]

Great Vid... Thank you!

[@justinrasmussen8325]

As far as cutting glass for baffles goes. I just used a wet tile saw with a glass blade, worked like a charm. Of course this adds a cost for a power tool to the build. But I had it from a home remodel project anyway. I used gloves when cutting the glass. and then sanded the edges with 150 grit sandpaper to keep them from being a danger to work with during installation.

[@MehrabS]

Nice video. I also like the Movado :-)

[@Cjx0r]

Consider relocating the hyperlink logo to a different edge of the screen. When the mouse if over the media, it's obscured by the player controls and could hinder users from being able to properly navigate to your website.

[@2xwinning]

I have to be honest. I did op for the DYI option out of a 20 gallon long as you describe. My sump turned out really really well. While I did save a LOT of money, I did break a tight fitting baffle and sliced my hand pretty good between my pointer finger and thumb...there was a lot of blood but it was damn worth it. Lol.

[@Ninja4200ful]

You can sand the acrilic edges where the silicone will be put, this will help the silicone adhere to it better

[@ROTTERtube]

thanks again for the great video. i'm looking to upgrade my sump for my 125 gallon reef tank. nothing too intricate, just simple for my protein skimmer.

[@ROTTERtube]

I'm looking around for something simple and not too much money, but made well. I have a 125 gallon reef with a lot of tangs in it. I have an eshopps RS-100 sump. I don't use sump socks. I currently have 2 chambers. One for my protein skimmer and a smaller one for 2 return pumps. I go back and forth between using the foam block. Nothing too pricey. I thought of the simple reef octopus but not sure. Something more like the Crystal Sump 36 but I won't be using the sump socks so maybe that first chamber would be pointless?

[@NavyGuy2OO7]

Great video, I LOVE the Nuvo Fusion 20, you guys should consider adding the tank kit standalone to the store. When I decided to go with that I had a light already and didn't need the starter kit you sell so the $200 tank only was what I went with, if you had that I would have ordered it from you guys.

[@bryson5134]

Would you recommend the closed cell pvc under the display tank as well? I have a 180 glass aquarium I’m setting up and I’ve read a lot of conflicting info about putting “pads” under the display tank

[@MikeReimers]

Wish I had seen this video before I tried acrylic baffles in my sump! All the seals are busted after about a year ( will redo these with glass next time i can drain the sump )

[@amin__2014]

thanks for all info. is there any rules for sump size?

[@gewglesux]

This is a happy guy.... he's passionate about his hobby. I like that. "expect to cut yourself"... hahahha

[@jjmccloud]

He's living his dream, I'm flipping jelous lol I wanna make my living doing my dream hobby like this

[@gewglesux]

@@jjmccloud I just started a proper salt tank and just getting used to using an installing a sump.

[@Jarcademis]

What was the material used to hold the baffle to the speed square during the curing process? Great idea by the way, I'm totally using that for my next sump build!

[@M_S.khan_]

can we use fluidized media filtration system along with skimmer and reactors in marine aquarium

[@carlosbarajas382]

Can you guys please do a video on how to water level the sump how to start the sump and the tank please

[@jasoncoleman5979]

Question: finalizing my own sump, and I had planned on the skimmer being before the refuguim instead of after it. Is there a drawback to having it before? Or is it just that skimmers typically sit in a lower level of water, which then makes sense to have it farther down the line?

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

Hummm ... a DIY sump ... best practice is glass ... glass does present some challenges ... no, wait, I've almost gotten started in the stained glass hobby a time or three - I have a good glass cutter, and a glass grinder to take care of the sharp edges - custom cut glass - no problem. A DIY sump from an inexpensive glass aquarium sounds like a good fit.

[@benjaminstobbart9636]

First of all Love BRS's Video's, always very informative for beginners to the hobby like myself. This sump looks FANTASTIC, the sumps layout has raised a question for myself regarding the refugium chambers location. You mentioned that space for the refugium is right after the filter socks, most of the information I have found about recommendations for refugium in the sump have suggested that you want less flow through your refugium so should be separated away from your main sumps flow. This sump appears to feed the full flow of 2000 GPH for the EcoTech Vectra M1 through the Refugium assuming you run it at full power. Would BRS/Ryan or the community be kind enough to provide opinion/advice on the flow through a refugium and its effect on performance for the refugium for me? Also related but slightly different, would flow hamper Copepods population in the Refugium? *Dreams of a Green Mandarin in his large reef tank one day* Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated :-)

[@bobbyboy4496]

OK I want an eareef pro 1500 that has 4 chambers in the sump. Ill have a nyos 120 in the first chamber then a refugium in the second and tmc reef pump in the last ..I don't want a reactor so any ideas what I can put in the 3rd chamber. thanks.

[@MobeDechosen1]

What are the dimensions of the sump that you had custom-made by synergy reef? I'm really thinking about building my own custom sump based on yours and was just curious what the dimensions were. Looks pretty huge.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Glass is pure evil. Sliced my hand to pieces building a sump with glass baffles. My second sump had acrylic baffles. Lesson learned lol

[@evaneversole8546]

if I put bio media of any sort will it work if I keep it clean so food doesn't build up

[@raeesusman2026]

I know this is a vague question but what is a refugium and what's it's purpose? Thanks for the videos. :)

[@Southernpinesranch]

can I use a canister filter? and if so do I need a skimmer or any of those things?

[@Cjx0r]

Might be a silly question but at 3:17 in that sump design the overflow line "seems" to bypass the filter socks and go straight down into that tube. Am I missing something?

[@bobescher8831]

Ryan what are those yellow things you have holding the glass upwhile your using the silicone. I know it isn't just a regular angle ruler? Thanks for all your hard work especially as busy as you are being the cofounder of a 50 man company. I also know that your mainly Reef but have you ever thought about doing freshwater or freshwater with a sump or refugium? Thanks Bob e

[@timothysanderson5561]

I am new to the hobby and doing my research before jumping in. In my research I am finding a lot of conflicting info, most of which I just kind of go with what "feels" right. But one point that is bothering me is the order of the chambers on a sump. Some people say that having the refugium BEFORE the skimmer is a bad idea as the skimmer can possibly remove a lot of the beneficial micro-organisms from the water. This sounds logical to me. But looking at the VAST majority of the sumps, both DIY and manufactured, the skimmer is AFTER the refugium. What is your take on this?

[@TheJohnny220]

I want to go with an innovative marine 20 gallon for my sump because I just don't see the value in something that is always going to be hidden. Do I even need the baffle If I use a Tunze 9410? What are your thoughts

[@2peas1pod]

Hello! At 3:40 can you tell me what type of skimmer you showed there? I have it, but there is no model on it! The pump blew out, so I was looking to replace it with something

[@pvpanrijder]

What kind of "sump" do you advise for my new tank 160Lx50Bx60H (in cm) a sweet water tank for my ZA Aquarium What would be the size and what must i do in it?

[@JoeBurner1720]

what turnover rate do you usually want from a sump pump?

[@rachaelhilton219]

is weld-on for bonding acrylic to acrylic safe? Looking to glue a custom acrylic overflow box to the inside of my acrylic tank. Since silocone does not bond well want to see if there is a better/safe option like weld-on 4 or 16? I saw some other videos on youtube of some using that stuff to build acrylic tanks so is it safe?

[@ahaer1r1]

what kind of small protein skimmer was that??

[@83K5Blazer]

great video! Do you sell the Synergy ATO containers?

[@83K5Blazer]

Thanks, I just ordered it..

[@thepurespartanify]

Is a 10g sump ok for a 60g cube? I can't fit anything else under the stand

[@waleedabbasi9853]

What are your thoughts on using canister filter(s) for reef aquariums?

[@BRStv]

They can certainly work if you maintain them. They've gotten a bad reputation for being "nitrate factories," but it's likely that many users didn't clean them as often as they should. In reality, they're not that much different from a media reactor.

[@crazycountrygirl8086]

How do you actually polish the edges?

[@baboon50]

Well being that you changed a lot of ideas from when you picked up the sump to the end of the tank being equipped. how about a new video of what your sump would look like if you made it for what you have in your sump now? I really like the equipment that you have in your sump and would like to make my sump, so maybe some more info for us cheapo's making there own sump like what order would you put everything in? what kind of compartments would you make? And some ideas and thoughts in general on the sump

[@sharky2038]

What're the materials you put under the tank? I can't quite understand you sorry :)

[@anthonypope7539]

my water as gone OK now very clean I just left it alone I put a hob filter on my tank so it runs aside my other filter the hob filter intake tube sits in my sump

[@BALD8BIL]

How can you use a sump without any holes in your aquarium ?

[@evaneversole8546]

why don't you put bio balls or ceramic media in were the refugium or protein skimmer works

[@nathan3780]

Couldn't a wet saw be used for cutting glass? I have one and would rather use it than scoring and breaking.

[@luisrosado3761]

How long wide and tall is that sump am into building my own sump for a 48L 24w 24h aquarium please help new to the hobby

[@muffemod]

0:02 LOL YELLING!

[@elliottc93]

Is there a rule of thumb to determine how big your sump should be in comparison to the tank? Assuming it contains all the bells and whistles.

[@Gusman10000]

With glueing acrylic, I know there is acrylic glue that provides as good a result as glass and silicon, is this just not reef safe?

[@walterbkeen]

Acrylic cement such as Weld-On actually melt the acrylic and fuse the two pieces together acting as one. The cement actually just evaporates and goes away leaving a strong bond. This however, only works with acrylic to acrylic as glass has no reaction.

[@TwoOnesTanks]

what types of squares are those that you're using to install the baffles?

[@JenkemDungeon]

It's called a rafter or quick square.

[@FuriedHearts]

I used to really dig the Aqueon sumps until I realized a skimmer can't fit into the initial overflow area/right after the filter socks. Don't most people say skimmers work better there? Or should a skimmer work fine in the return area?

[@FuriedHearts]

BulkReefSupplyCom -Okay cool. I was mostly meaning in terms of the water being nutrient/detritus rich and the skimmer being more efficient in areas closest to the drain. I know most people utilize this design and it logically makes sense to me; but I consider BRS opinions gold 🙏🏻🙏🏻 haha. Thanks y'all!

[@jessiylntepish2897]

HI. I'm new to saltwater. i want to do a ten gallon nano reef tank in my bedroom. i have a place where i can a lot of my supplies and corals etc. i was wondering if you can do an episode on what kinds of coral are suitable for a nano how to take care of them things like that. like a step by step deal. i want to put in the work i just dont want to hurt the fish or corals. im doing this to help my ptsd and depression

[@seancripps4897]

Im blown away and now im a noob after watching this

[@dannybski9620]

I'm kind of confused by the placement of the filter sock holders in your custom sump. How is the water going to drain down through those if the bulkheads are off the side? I guess we'll have to wait for the plumbing episode to find out!

[@dannybski9620]

***** I see. But a lot of the water would also pass through all those fine laser etched holes, no? Maybe it would benefit from an extra baffle there to get ALL the water to pass through the socks first? Just a thought :)

[@dannybski9620]

***** OH I'm seeing how it works now. In the video it's hard to tell there is a wall perpendicular to the laser holes, but now it all makes sense :) thanks

[@baha2010100]

Hi, thank you for the video. I have a problem with my 125 reef tank . All my Puckin rocks turned purple with I don't mind but my sand turned purple which gives the tank ugly look , is there a reason for my sand to be turned dark purple o.How can I solve this issue? Thanks in advance

[@baha2010100]

***** thank you for your reply , i will do add powerhead and try to move the sand a bit by hand and let you know .

[@bcash5207]

Why does the sump have rings for multiple filter socks? What's the benefit/purpose of running multiple filter socks at a single time? Thanks!

[@maxxiang8746]

is a 10 gallon sump with a somatic 60 skimmer with 10 times turnover a bit overkill for a 30 gallon reef?

[@maxxiang8746]

yay Thanks!

[@jav2677]

how can I make my own sump put of acrylic

[@ChristopherT1]

I must be crazy but I just don't understand why sump manufacturers don't put the filter socks AFTER the skimmer! Ive seen skimmers pull whole pellet food out of the tank. If the sock catches the pellet first it sits in there rotting till I get to it.

[@northwoodssewist-aprilschu8685]

Maybe I missed it but what price could I expect to spend on a similar size sump from synergy reef? Thanks much!

[@northwoodssewist-aprilschu8685]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thank you so much. This general idea is helpful for now. Putting together an upgrade budget!!

[@salvidiaz5296]

Ryan, how can I get this sump you guys had done by Rick at Synergy. Thanks in advance.

[@jonathangraham7148]

Shouldn’t have thanked in advance lol

[@souravghosh689]

i have a 90 gallon tank.3.5 feet in length and 2 feet in height..what light should i use for my tank?????

[@souravghosh689]

Yaa thanks for the information.but actually i have some fish animones and few mushrroms ..its fish only tank with few invertibrates....

[@spencerlupton117]

Hey we made it to week 52 yay!!!! Just re watching some.What is the total volume of the sump?

[@xaflatoonx]

guys - any way you can put specs of this sump? dimensions? gallons? and hopefully how much something like this would cost?

[@raulmejiajr]

What thickness is the pvc foam you used?

[@raulmejiajr]

***** Thanks. just ordered some from TAP Plastics

[@kurtschnepf9452]

vertex is coming when??

[@MrWootastic]

I'm having a heck of a time with the sump that came with my used tank. Can't seem to keep water flowing quick enough over the baffles to feed the return pump efficiently. I have 3 overflow tubes that come down and feed the sump starting from the right. The water flows to the left into a refugium then over another baffle to the return pump on the far left of the sump. It's 55 gal tank and the return pump is a Marineland NJ4500. Thing pumps at a constant 1700+ gph. The return tube and overflow tubes are all 1". When I go to rebuild this, how to I choose where and how high/low to place the baffles in the new sump? Do I need to measure water flow throughout the whole thing? I feel slightly overwhelmed.

[@MrWootastic]

BulkReefSupplyCom so would a small marine land 500 gph pump work ok? One of the ones that can double as a circulation pump or current fan?

[@MrWootastic]

BulkReefSupplyCom PERFECT! Thank you! Last question then I promise I'll leave you alone! Lol. When it comes to building your own sump, what's the smallest size you would recommend for a 55 gallon and how would you recommend setting up baffles? Currently, I have 3 chambers. A drain chamber, a middle chamber, and a return. No skimmer yet or functional filtration set up. It's a poorly setup sump that came with the tank. Does the layout matter that much as long as I have room whatever equipment I'm going to use?

[@boezer12]

How many gallons is this sump?

[@deirdremurphy9191]

What are the mandatory components you need for a beginner 55 gallon salt water tank?

[@brettsreeftank3079]

Deirdre Murphy a heater and power head and lights. That is as long as u cycle ur tank correctly and do weekly 25%-40% water changes

[@frederickbankston5985]

Deirdre Murphy y

[@averagegm]

how can i buy the same sump u have

[@willparsons32]

I just wish that someone would make a protein skimmer for freshwater too! Sumps are easy enough to design but when we get that floaty bubbles stuff rotating at the top of our (FW) tank(s) it is simply annoying to look at!

[@thepurespartanify]

They're not efficient enough for fw. Look up his skimmers work. King of diy has a good explanation on why you can't

[@spicyreef]

Maybe things thrived in ur first tank due to all that beautiful live ROCK!!!!! :-) A diverse ecosphere lends itself to the dynamic ability to deal with life's stupidity :-)