Sump Size vs. Tank Size ?

[platapus]

Im looking to a sump tank to my 100g glass reef tank. I will be using a overflow box that is capable of 600gph -

My question is............. is there an algorythm for sump tank sizes vs. reef tank size? Would a 20 gallon sump be adaquit for 100ga tank?

[jegel]

I'd say go bigger than a 20. I don't know if theres an algorithm but probably atleast 1/4 your tank size. I'm running an 80 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump and I wish I could fit more in my stand since everything just barely fits.

[mojoreef]

base the sump size on what you want in it not on the tank size.
Ie: pumps, skimmer, skimmer pump , heaters so.

good luck

[David Grigor]

As big as you can fit........ Better to be longer and wider than tall. What room you have left after hardware turn it into a refugium.

[DaveJ]

Exactly.. size is determined by gadgets and how much space you have under the tank. Longer is better than taller, but for a refuge you want some depth since you want a DSB in there. Figure at lest 12 inch high or so and then as long as you can and as deep as you can. I have a 30 gallon for my 125 and am happy with it, though i wish it was a bit longer, no room though.

[Minnreefer]

here is a helpful link. http://www.northernreef.org/sumps101.htm

Jon

[Doug1]

Well I have never come across a magic formula for sump sizing, but here are a few thing to think about.
A sump provides a place to locate a lot of ugly eqipment somewhere other than in sight in the display tank. Given that it needs to be large enough that you can accomplish that goal with room to easily do maint. If its hard it wont get done often enough.
A sump needs to be large enough to contain the overflow water that drains in the event power goes off. If it wont do that you have a mess on your hands. Also consider water velocity thru the sump. The smaller the sump the faster a given amount of water goes thru. This is important consideration if you have a refugium or algae bed. The larger the volume the container the more diffuse the flow
I like large sumps, but I think design and purpose are important consideration