Need opinions on this sump set up Please

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Personally I would not go with that package. I think you can set up a very simple sump with much better equipment for about the same or maybe a little more but at least you are getting quality. Only thing is, it will take a little more time. But I mean even if you buy that one from ebay, you still have to spend the time setting it just like if you buy everything locally at stores or from members here. If you dont have time to glue baffles and whatnot into a sump, maybe you can pay someone from your area a little to do for you. You can also go with a hang on the back overflow if you do not want to drill the tank. I have used one before (CPR brand) and never had problems with it but drilled is much nicer. Only thing with drilled, is then you also need to build a overflow box either in the tank or externally. As for GPH, thats not so hard to figure out. As long as your overflow can handle what your return pump GPH is, minus the pumps head loss (how much height water is being pushed up), your fine. There is a little more to it than that but you can match a return pump to a hang on the back overflow pretty easy. Again, Im sure someone near you could help. Besides that, there is not a heck of a lot to it.

On a side note, I had a tank set up for a long time with a Remora Pro skimmer, canister filter and hang on the back refugium...Probably one of the nicest tanks I have had looking back. No sump or anything. If you do not overstock, the remora skimmers can be pretty good. If your canister filter is only used for stuff like carbon and maybe purigen or phosphate removers, its a great thing to have. Also, the remoras run much better with the prefilter box (hides pump too).

[Doug]

Marcie,
As Brad mentioned, if your comfortable with the sump you mentioned, then go for it. It would not be for many of us, but that does not make it no good. That looks like a Coralife skimmer which many of have used. Not high end but still work. I would still watch what hang on overflow I purchased. Many threads on RC about problems with some of them. Others, like the Lifereef or similar have a good reputation.

Having no experience with that type of sump set up, its hard to comment on how well its designed and will work.

However, I do like the idea of dealing local, in case of problems. Albert may be a good one to get a hold of. Drilling is easily done, if thats the route you chose. Have to check for tempered glass though. I see your $400 budget plan. Its hard to get a decent skimmer for to much less than that, unless you can find a good used one on here.

Many of us use Rubbermaid sumps, which are cheap. Lots of threads here on drilling & overflows & piping. Have a look in the library or put them in a search.