Advice on a Sump/Refugium for 125 Gallon Tank

[josho923]

Working on a build for a 125 gallon tank. Going to drill it and set up a Bean Animal overflow. Plan is for full reef tank with sump underneath, with refugium, etc. With the understanding that homemade sumps are great and many people would recommend that for a few different reasons, I am definitely planning on buying a pre-fab one and would love to hear any opinions specifically on pre-made sumps. I also realize that the Lifereef line is amazing, etc., but I don't have that kind of money to play with.

Planning on buying the ADHI 45 sump/refugium setup (will likely replace the light it comes with), and would really appreciate feedback on this one specifically. Thanks!

 

[josho923]

So I'm definitely going to go with the ADHI 45 sump/refugium model - now I'd really like to hear some advice regarding what protein skimmer to put in this bad boy. I don't want to cheap out and skimp on the skimmer - I know it is important and want to get a good one. I always believe in overkill when it comes to heaters, filtration, etc., so I'd like to buy one that is rated for a volume well over the 125 gallon tank that it will be going in. Thanks!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Reef octopus makes great stuff. That gets my vote for the skimmer.

 

[Rentalcoot]

I have a super reef 2000. Got from frag tactic reef and got 10 percent off. First time purchase

 

[josho923]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

Rentalcoot: what size tank did you get the Super Reef 2000 for? Also, what size, the 6 inch one (Super Reef Octopus SRO-2000INT 6" in-sump protein skimmer)? Looks like it's rated for 200 gallons and BRS recommends up to 180 gallons, which sounds perfect for my goals (to have more than enough for my 125 gallon tank). It's funny, in looking on BRS, that was the only sump I had added to my "wishlist" thus far, so it looks like we have similar tastes. How loud does it run?

So far, I'm liking what I see from Reef Octopus and also Vertex. The Vertex Alpha line is too expensive for me, so I am wondering if any of you all have had experience with the more affordable Vertex Omega skimmers. Also, for both the RO and Vertex brands, any advice on specific models that would be rated for 180 gallons+ (tank is 125 but I want overkill) and are also very quiet. With the Bean Animal overflow, etc., my goal is as close to silent as possible for the overall setup, while also striving for energy efficiency, since this will make tank #6 in our house (I know, it's an illness, but I love it, ha). So yeah, I want a powerful, quiet, energy-efficient skimmer - man, I'm demanding! Because of these requirements, I'm OK with spending some decent money, I just can't be shelling out like $800+. Thanks again everybody!

And to reiterate, if there is ever anything I can do to help any of you guys on the tropical/freshwater/planted tank side, I'm all yours.

 

[Rentalcoot]

I got the internal sump. I have 120 gal and it pulls a lot of skimate off. For how loud it is, only here a little buzzing due to the pump touching part of the baffle. I'm very pleased with it though.