Top 3 Aquarium Sumps
Best Aquarium Sumps of 2020
- Best Overall Sump: Skimz UP Sumpro Sump Series
- Best Small Footprint Sump: Eshopps Cube Nano Refugium Sump
- Best High End Sump: Trigger Systems Platinum Sump
- Most User Friendly Sump: Fiji-24 Advanced Reef Sump – 2nd Gen
- Most Durable Sump: Trigger Systems Sapphire Sump
Why do I need a sump for my fish tank?
In some cases, like a smaller Fish only or FOWLR set up, you don’t need a sump. However, if you have a tank that is going to have invertabrates/corals, or is going to be on the larger side, adding a sump to your set up is your best bet. Any time you have a protein skimmer (also needed for the invertabrates) or a reactor for nitrates or calcium, you will also need a sump. The sump will help to catch excess waste as well as provide storage for additional equipment/filtration.
Factors To Consider for an Aquarium Sump
Ohfishal’s Top 5 Fish Tank Sumps
Skimz UP Sumpro Sump
This sump incorporates tons of features for the money, which is why it was our top choice. It comes complete with dosing tubes for flexible dosing of anything you want, 4 probe holders, Level-O-Matic water adjustment feature to quickly and easily adjust water levels in your sump, and a DuoFlo Sock Chamber which keeps your water crystal clear. A quality build that is compatible with a variety of protein skimmers, the Skimz UP Sumpro series should be flexible for many reef set ups. Additionally, there are many models in this series of various sizes to allow you to fit the space you have available and the size of your tank.
Eshopps Cube Nano Refugium Sump
Pretty quiet and coming in a nice cube shape, this Eshopps sump really gets the job done. You will need a small protein skimmer to fit into this nano sump, but that’s the point of nano, right? It even has a refugium, although that is also a little small and you may need to modify the water flow to it a little in order to get a stronger flow. That said, this well built cube sump is highly recommended when you are working with a smaller space.
Trigger Systems Platinum Sump
The crown jewel of the Trigger Systems Platinum Sump is the automatic filtration changing method. You heard that right, this sump will change the filters for you utilizing a fleece roll method, and a roll will last 4-6 months. That’s a lot of time and money saved changing filter socks. Tested up to a 3000 gph flow rate, there will also be plenty of flow for both the skimmer and refugium sections. An adjustable water level with a self adjusting top platform and laser engraved wall markings will help you keep a precise water level. Plus, the platinum comes with all the other bells and whistles like 4 dosing tubes, a moveable middle partition wall, and a magnetic sensor slider. You’ll spend the money for this sump, but it will hopefully save you both time and money in the long run as it keeps your aquarium’s water crystal clear.
Fiji-24 Advanced Reef Sump – 2nd Gen
Featuring a flexible filtration system using an interchangeable filter sock holder or filter floss tray, this sump is a quality choice. With plenty of room for protein skimmers and other equipment, a built in heater holder, and adjustable water levels in all compartments, this sump has the bells and whistles to let you create your optimal set up. They are also known to be quiet sumps, which is always a plus.
Reef Octopus OCTO Reef Sump
Another mainstay brand in the aquarium space, this sump from Reef Octopus is a solid bet for your space. This model comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs, and all have plenty of room for skimmers, reactors, and pumps. Compatible with auto-sock rollers, this sump is known to be durable, also nicknamed your “forever sump”. The OCTO Sump Series will keep salt creep to a minimum as well because it features a bubble diffusing intake, which will greatly minimize microbubbles from entering your display.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aquarium Sumps
You need a sump when you want to add a protein skimmer, calcium and/or nitrate reactor, or other pumps to your system. You also need a sump if you have an open saltwater system. Sumps aren’t a must in your aquarium, but if you plan to house corals and/or invertebrates, you will likely want one. In a freshwater system, a sump can allow you to avoid the big, bulky canister filter.
Sumps will allow you to hold equipment as well as filter your water for a cleaner system.
You should make sure before purchasing your sump that it is rated for the size of your aquarium, but a general rule of thumb is that the sump should be at least 20% of the size of your aquarium.
