sump size

I'm planning my sump for my 90 gallon tank. I'm trying to decided between a 20 and 30 gallon tank for the sump. What do you guys/gals think? Besides the 10 extra gallons, what's the benefit of the larger size?

Thanks!

 

I just upgraded the sump on my 90 to a 40 breeder from a 20L. It allows plenty of space for any skimmer you might have/want as well as plenty of space for a fuge. If properly configured you'll have about 15 to 20 gallons extra capacity for any drainage due to power outages as well.
you can check mine out at the bottom of my tank build thread in my sig line

 

There are a lot of benefits to a larger sump.

More water volume=more stable parameters
Space for a bigger skimmer
Space for reactors and other equipment
Space for a bigger fuge (if your including one)
More space for bubble traps
Bigger return pump area means you can go longer without topping off and your pump won't run dry

Minimum size for a sump should be as big as it takes to hold the equipment you need. The best size for a sump is as big as you can possibly fit in your stand. I would go big and only do it once.

 

+1, good list. One thing to keep add though is if you need/want to use the space under the tank to store stuff. Totally depends on your setup, some people like to keep chemical supplements/food/carbon reactors etc also in the stand.
Also really want to stress the return pump area, I see this constantly undersized IMO. Even if you have an ATO it's always good to have enough volume in there to at least go a couple days without topping off so you have time to notice if the ATO dies.

 

I agree with Mike,I have a 75gal sump on my 240 and wish it was bigger.

 

Great list. The only thing I'd add, as another already did; is a bigger sump further guarantees no flooding in the event of power failure.

 

Everything that has been said is spot on, not much more that I can say. I also have a 90g DT and I went with a custom 55g sump/refug and I love the fact that I have space for everything that I want to add to it. Heres a pic......












luna

 

big big big

 

Can't top what was said above. I chose to go "as big as I could possibly fit under my cabinet". In fact, I had to make custom mods to the cabinet in order to cram slightly bigger than that in there. Point is... bigger is better and I find myself wishing that I had even more space.

With respect to bigger Skimmers, don't forget about the height of bigger skimmers. I had to mod my stand to allow for more height.

M

 

Thanks for all the great info!! I'm definitely going to go with the 30 gallon then. I wonder if I could even get a little fuge in there like Luna has.

You are all so helpful!