The Best Aquarium Sumps Reviewed and Rated in 2023

Are you thinking about buying the greatest aquarium sump? It is essential to exercise caution while selecting the best fish tank sump for you since it may play a critical part in keeping your fish tank clean and guaranteeing improved aeration of the tank water.

A fish tank sump essentially works as a filter and may also be used to store aquarium equipment such as reactors and heaters. This is essential for improving the aeration of the water within the tank while also keeping the water clean and safe for your finned buddies to breathe and swim in.

The reality is that there are several fish tank sump kits accessible these days; nonetheless, it is vital to be extremely careful when purchasing one so that you can absolutely enjoy the benefits that the top-tier aquarium sump can bring.

Creating the ideal fish tank sump arrangement necessitates investigating a number of purchasing aspects. It is the only method to guarantee that you choose the best aquarium sump. So, before we get into the reviews, here’s a quick rundown of some important factors to consider throughout the purchasing process:

Size: You’ll need a sump big enough to accommodate all of the components in your tank. In most circumstances, this sizing will be between 13 and 14 times the size of your fish tank. The marine sump pump should then fit without taking up too much room within your tank.

Durability: Buyers will want a sump that will endure for many years. As a result, it is essential to examine the construction materials and evaluations to establish the endurance of each alternative. Glass or acrylic sumps are often the most dependable options.

Noise Level: Certain aquarium sumps generate a lot of noise. To circumvent these concerns, various high-quality choices are considered quiet. I’ll always choose a quiet, pricey choice over a cheap but noisy one.

Brand: Purchasing an aquarium sump is a significant investment. So choosing one created by a top-tier firm is critical to avoid squandering money. Eshopps, GEO, and Bubblefin are among notable sump producers.

Fortunately, this article will assist you in determining which fish tank sump kit goods will help you maintain an aquarium that is clean and healthy for your fish tank residents to flourish. You may review the numerous sump products listed below to help you make your final selection.

Out Top Picks

Top 5 Aquarium Sump Reviews 2023

1. Eshopps RS-75 Reef Sump

Given that there are so many fantastic brands out there, searching for the best refugium available in today’s market may be an extremely difficult and time-consuming endeavor. If you are looking to purchase a sump that is suitable for tanks ranging in size from 10 to 75 gallons, then this product may be suitable for your requirements. In addition to this, there is a separate chamber here for the skimmer.

This sump is generally tiny and compact, and it may only be able to accommodate a limited number of fish tank gallons when it is filled up to the mark that is indicated for the waterline. This indicates that it was designed in a very specific way to fit in a tiny tank. Because of this, the addition of a reactor is now possible.

This is equipped with a sponge filter that may prevent bubbles and debris from entering the water, and it also has a functioning cover that has been specifically designed for quick access to the sump. Putting this together won’t even break a sweat, and it can be set up in a matter of minutes.

On the other hand, the chamber in which the return pump is housed is somewhat small, so it may be difficult for you to insert and remove the pump. In addition to that, this does not always guarantee a noiseless functioning. In addition, the space occupied by the skimmers and heaters is insufficient to permit the installation of anything else. Therefore, there is not enough space available for a refugium either.

Pros

• Pre-filter sponge prevents air bubbles and debris from entering pump.
• Guarantees simple Micron bag removal
• Solidly built.
• Open-top design allows quick equipment maintenance.
• Has enough sump area for pumps, skimmers, and other aquarium equipment.

Cons

• Small return pump chamber may make noise.

2. Fiji Cube Refugium Sump Baffle Kit

At this time, there is an infinite variety of designs for aquarium sump pumps that are available for you to check out, which may at times make the choosing process a real pain in the neck. If you are looking for a product that will allow you to purchase the most feature-rich and practical sump kit possible, then you should definitely stop your search with this particular item.

The primary objective in the construction of this sump was to make it possible to modify the available area in order to facilitate the simple installation of a refugium, protein skimmer, as well as other pieces of aquarium equipment and a media reactor. Because of the protein skimmer’s water level changeable capability, you are able to rapidly vary the water height to meet your protein skimmer’s requirements, which may range from 4.5 inches all the way up to 8 inches. For this particular sump, the only fish tank kits that are available come in capacities of either 20 or 40 gallons each.

It also comes with a noise reduction mode to guarantee that you won’t be bothered by the gadget even while it’s operating normally. This is made possible by the use of filter sock silencers, which are designed to lessen the audible noises caused by the flow of water that enters the filter socks. These silencers can be found at most stores that sell filter socks. In addition to these features, this sump has built-in filter sock holders that are capable of holding filter bags that are 4 inches wide.

The same as before, this sump kit is missing the drain bulkheads, which are essential for the fitting process while working on the drain area. In keeping with this notion, given that it is a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit, you will be required to handle all of the assembly operations on your own. There is no other option.

Pros

• Allows for the modification of space for the media reactor, refugium, protein skimmer, and other fish tank equipment.
• Filter sock silencers are used to provide quiet operation.
• Has inbuilt filter sock holders that can store 4-inch filter bags.
• Allows customers to design the best sump configuration for their aquarium.
• It has an amazing adjustable water level function.

Cons

• It does not include drain bulkheads.
• You must put together the equipment on your own.

3. Eshopps AEO15005 Refugiums

This sump is intended to be both visually beautiful and functional. As a result, if you are looking for sump refugium that seem to be well-constructed and attractive, this may be a good option.

It may be used to house your delicate finned buddies and aquatic plants that are growing within the fish tank or as an outstanding shelter for all of your aquarium equipment. Furthermore, it may be effective in increasing the amount of water within the aquarium.

The good thing is that there are several possibilities and features here, and you are free to choose. Simply said, you may use it for any applications or goals you have in mind.

Furthermore, this model is distinguished by its use of high-quality acrylic and foam components. As a result, since the sump is not bulky, it is much simpler to move about. Although it is lightweight, many customers who have used it remark that it is nonetheless sturdy and trustworthy.

While this sump seems to be well-made in many scenarios, it cannot be disputed that it has the potential to be quickly broken, maybe because to its small weight.

Furthermore, the return pump area looks to be too limited. This may not be a significant problem, but it may create some discomfort. As you can see, these are only a few of the drawbacks that you should consider before purchasing this model.

Pros

• Recommended for 100-gallon aquariums.
• Ready-to-use micron bags
• Reliable, high-performance sump
• Well-built and attractive.
• Allows you to fit additional aquarium equipment.

Cons

• Return pump area is small.
• Easy to damage

4. Eshopps AEO14005 Reef Sumps Rs-100

This refugium drainage system is designed to be more affordable and straightforward in construction. It is specifically designed for aquariums containing 75 to 100 gallons of water. Similarly, it is an excellent option if the space beneath the display tank is limited. This is unparalleled in terms of dependability, simplicity of use, and A1 performance.

In addition, it comes with a flex hose that you can connect to your overflow or bulkhead, as well as a pre-filter sponge that fits between the barriers to support biological filtration and reduce noise. It is helpful to know that you can now store your fish tank apparatus in a suitable amount of space.

In addition to its out-of-the-ordinary features, this submersible model’s affordability, compact design, and silent operation mode are some of the reasons why it is a product worth considering. If you choose a sleeker and more sophisticated design, you won’t need to seek elsewhere for a dependable sump, as this model meets all your specifications.

This sump is not perfect, however, as it is incompatible with other sock filters on the market, meaning you cannot use other brands for this purpose. Additionally, this product is more likely to seep at the corner seam. It is intriguing to observe that, apart from these defects, it is nearly flawless in other respects.

Pros

• Guarantees quiet filtration mode
• Its neat design is outstanding.
• Large enough for the heater and skimmer
• Durable and functional
• Berlin, refugium, or dry/wet filtration system.

Cons

• Sock filters are incompatible.
• Leaks from corner seams.

5. Bubblefin Aquarium Refugium Sump

This product is suitable for aquarium owners who wish to initiate their submersible pump. I chance to have a spare 10-gallon canister and have been considering using it for an upcoming endeavor. These baffles are an ideal complement. I simply adhered them with aquarium-safe silicone sealant, and they worked amazingly well.

I also observed the product’s durability, which is another plus. These are not at all frail. I am unable to even bend them with my palms. You can rest assured that these baffles can manage the volume of water that will flow through them. The only point of failure would be where the baffles were attached to the aquarium’s surfaces.

These barriers can also be used to construct your refugium. These acrylic sheets maintain sufficient water levels in each chamber for the middle chamber to serve as a refugium. It will make your bilge even more effective at removing contaminants from water.

It will be comparable to having a self-sufficient ecosystem. I was also successful in cultivating a few living plants in the refugium, thereby increasing its capacity to remove nitrates.

Having the finest reef sumps will make water maintenance significantly simpler and reduce the amount of fish disturbance. After a month of using this product, I can say that it was one of the finest aquarium-keeping decisions I’ve ever made, despite the fact that it requires a significant amount of initial effort.

This sump tank for aquarium is not suitable for inexperienced aquarists. For starters, there are no instructions, so amateurs would have no idea how to install the baffles. Cutting the acrylic sheets to the exact size is very tough if you have even a little smaller tank.

Pros

• Fits most 10-gallon tanks
• Durable acrylic
• Easy refugium setup
• simplifies water upkeep.
• Fits your tank.

Cons

• Lacks instructions

What to Look for in an Aquarium Sump

How should you begin your search for a high-quality aquarium sump? Here are some important things to remember:

The sump’s size

When deciding on the size of your sump, the common rule of thumb is to stick to a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio. This implies that if you have a 50-gallon tank, the sump should be at least 15 gallons or more.

Smaller marine aquarium sumps should be avoided since they may spill over if there is a power outage and no pumps to keep the water flowing.

Dimensions of compartments

It will be necessary if you want to install a refugium in your tank. The refugium should be big enough to produce a large enough volume of beneficial bacteria, allowing it to handle more water at once.

DIY or ready-made?

DIY kits are inexpensive choices. However, you will be responsible for providing the tank that will be used as a sump. DIY is usually best left to experienced aquarists who are also handy with their hands.

If you are not sure in your construction abilities, pre-assembled sump filters for aquariums are an option. They are a little more costly, but you will receive everything you need and it will all be put together. You just need to connect it to your aquarium to get started.

Maintenance Ease

Sump filters for marine aquariums will become filthy quickly since they are continually filtering waste from the aquarium, so choose one that is simple to clean and maintain. You should be able to clean the sump as much as possible without dismantling too many pieces.

Cost

Aquarium keeping is already a costly pastime, so try to save money everywhere you can. Aquarium sumps may be fairly costly, but that doesn’t imply you should get the cheapest sump you can find.

You just need to locate the finest refugiums that provide a decent balance of cost and efficacy. This may take a little more time and work, but you will finish up with a product that you will not be sorry to buy.

FAQs

Q: What is an aquarium sump?

An aquarium sump is an external filtration system that is placed underneath the aquarium to increase the overall water volume, providing additional space for equipment such as heaters, protein skimmers, and filtration media. It works by pumping water from the main tank into the sump, where it undergoes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration before being returned to the main tank.

Q: What are the benefits of using an aquarium sump?

Using an aquarium sump can provide several benefits, including increased water volume, improved water quality, reduced clutter in the main tank, and greater flexibility in terms of equipment placement. Sumps also offer a safe and convenient way to hide equipment, reduce noise and evaporation, and provide a stable environment for aquatic life.

Q: What are some of the best aquarium sumps on the market?

There are several excellent aquarium sumps available on the market, including the Trigger Systems Ruby Sump, the Eshopps RS-Series Sumps, and the Somatic 60S Internal Overflow Aquarium Sump. Each of these sumps offers unique features such as customizable filtration chambers, durable construction, and quiet operation. Ultimately, the best aquarium sump for your needs will depend on your specific requirements, such as tank size, equipment needs, and budget.

Conclusion

An aquarium sump is an essential piece of equipment for any serious aquarium hobbyist. It provides many benefits, including increased water volume, improved water quality, reduced clutter in the main tank, and greater flexibility in equipment placement. Choosing the best aquarium sump for your specific needs is crucial, and there are many excellent options available on the market. Consider factors such as tank size, equipment requirements, and budget when selecting an aquarium sump, and be sure to research and compare different models before making a purchase to ensure that you get the best sump for your aquarium setup.