Best choice for a sump/refugium

I was planning on buying a sump/refugium. I would like to do this as cheap as possible, without skimping on anything. Any idea's? I found one that is for up to 200gals and is a sump and refugium in one. The price is $279. It comes with 2 pumps and all the tubing ect. I thought this was a good deal. Anyone know if it is, or know of any other alternatives?

 

I have a 75g tank I use for my sump and a separate 30g I use for the fuge.

 

My sump is a $15 rubbermaid container and a 20gal tank that some lady gave me for free. I don't really recommend those high-end sump/fuge things. You can get away with it for much cheaper and have exactly what you need.

 

what size tank do you have?

 

I don't know what to do with the container. I have no idea how to set it up from scratch that's why I was looking at these other set ups, especially since they come with everything, even the skimmer.

 

Usually the ones that come with everything don't come with good equipment. I would suggest making your own, it's really not hard. All you need is a tank, some acrylic, available at home deopt, lowes etc. and some 100% silicone. I spent about $30 on my sump. I've never heard of a sump coming with a skimmer, are you looking at the HOB refugiums?

 

For a DIY sump/refug wouldnt your tank have to be predrilled? I have been tossing around the idea also of a HOB....

 

Not so used to all the lingo on here. lol what is hob? I looked for them on ebay. It has an overflow and skimmer plus 2 power heads. THis is the link 200 Gallon Aquarium Sump Refugium wet dry filter bioNEW - eBay (item 350170957836 end time Mar-04-09 06:32:32 PST). If it works. lol

 

What size is the main tank this sump and fuge are going to be supporting ? Thats what you have to base it on I ran a 90 for many yrs with a 10 Ga sump and a 10 gal fuge the main pump is simple a little Mag 7 as for the fuge all you do is allow the above tank to drain into it no need for a pump. Then the fuge will drain over into sump ..

 

My tank is 150 gallon. I figured a 30 gal sump at least..