Sumps - How big is big enough?

[mcdavies]

I'm in the process of setting up a new 150g tank. Was originally going to put the sump and equipment in the bottom of the stand. However, the LFS guy (VERY reputable in the Toronto area) noted that I have a large storage room directly underneath the tank in the basement. He recommended that we put everything down there and plumb up to the tank.

I've gone through the thought process on this and (thanks to lots of help from reefers in here who responded to a separate thread) have concluded to go for the basement set-up.

The LFS guy recommended a large sump given that I have so much room downstairs. Original plan was for a 40g sump/refug under the tank. He is now recommending a 200g sump/refug in the basement! I understand the advantages of the additional water volume in terms of sensitivity of the system (I'm a newbie to this, so that kind of "cushion" appeals to me).

Long preamble to my question...

Is there any disadvantages to this size of sump (other than the increased cost)?

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

Mark

[gregt]

There are some disadvantages. Space is another issue. More water means a bigger skimmer is needed, larger heaters or chillers, larger water changes, more salt mix, etc....

Ok, most of those are more cost, but it's also recurring costs for electricity, etc...

If you haven't caught these yet, they might help:
Sumps Pt I
Sumps Pt II
Sumps Pt III

[sean]

If you can install this size sump without too much stress and strain on you physically, mentally, and financially, then I say go for it.
That size sump seems like overkill but there are obvious advantages to the extra water volume (water parameter stability) and more room for live rock and sand outside the aquarium which allows for a larger bio load in the aquarium.
However, there are also some disadvantages. Significantly increased water size changes and top off for evaporation, increased expense of RO/DI water (size of unit, volume of water produced, extra expense for filters), salt, plus the expense of the container used to hold the water, need for more heater wattage, and an expensive pump to pump the water up to the tank. It could also get easier to 'put off' checking things. I am sure you have probably already thought of this stuff.
I have a 180 gallon and also wanted the largest sump I could fit under my tank. I was able to fit four 30 gallon rubbermaids side by side, all connected with two one inch bulk heads. The return water comes back into the middle two tubs which are filled with live rock and macro algae. The water then flows into the outer two tubs where the return pumps, protein skimmers, and ocassionally carbon/phosphate bags are located.
I really like having the extra 60 to 70 actual gallons in the sump. My bio load is increased by the extra amount of water volume, but more so the extra live rock I can fit in the sump. This also frees up a lot of room in the actual aquarium. I don't need to cram all the necessary rock in there, allowing for some nice open style aquascaping.
I am satisfied with this set up and feel that the sump is just right.
I would be very interested in hearing what you decide to do.

[Casey]

I say stick with the 40 thats what I run on my 180

[Geoff]

how about a 200g display with a 150g sump.

G~

[mcdavies]

LOL Geoff......thats exactly what my wife said! However, the space limitations are upstairs, not downstairs!

[Stoney Reef]

Just put the 100gallon rubbermaid feed trough down stairs. That will save a boat load of cost. I think 200 gallons is overkill! However you do want plenty of room for all the equipment, rough critters, and extra live rock, not to mention a good ol pile of rubble for fragging in the future plus your pods will love it!

[uryy4me]

Originally posted by mcdavies
Is there any disadvantages to this size of sump (other than the increased cost)?

IMO - If cost is not an issue, I believe the pros definately offset the cons.

[Imaexpat2]

I would go for the larger sump in a heartbeat faced with the same options!!! Yeah it would make for bigger water changes. Yes it would require a larger Skimmer.

Personally if it were me I woud purchase a 140 gallon water trough (plastic of course). They are plenty large enough to have a "go big-or-stay home" sump, and built really tough, too! I have seen a 350 gallon one and it was too cool. Had about a dozen mangroves, algae, a few corals and lots of live rock. It was working out rather nicely for the guy, a really nice set up. This is what I am planning to do when I retire from the military and get a chance to settle down in one place for more than a couple of years for a change. However I was looking at having a built in the wall tank that will be 300 gallons plus depending on how long my arms are and deep my pockets are!
The 40 gallon sump idea, I am sure its okay size wise, but I would go bigger than 40 gallons. I have a 125 and its hooked up to a 75 gallon DIY sump with 5 mangroves, @40lbs of live rock rubble, and algae. I would go bigger sump wise if I wasnt renting an apartment and thought the floor would hold it!
As far as the added cost...If you got a 150 gallon tank with coral and 1 pound of live rock per a gallon, then some extra expense for additional salt and supplements that a larger sump would need, should be bus fare compared to what you have already spent, at least I would think.
This issue can be quiet the debate, but I think a sump larger than 40 gallons would be more useful to you and have more pros than cons if your going to put it in the basement. Just my two cents for what its worth. What ever you choose to do, good luck and I hope that it works out for you!