Top 10 Aquarium Sumps for Custom Reef Aquariums
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
The Trigger Systems Ruby 36e takes the #1 spot for custom reef aquariums, offering a 36" x 18" footprint with a 7-gallon refugium chamber and a built-in filter sock holder that handles 4 socks, priced at $1,099. The runner-up is the Alignment Reef Systems CL-36, which delivers a 36" x 16" footprint with a dedicated carbon reactor chamber and a 10-gallon sump volume for $849, ideal for budget-conscious builders.
The Ruby 36e wins for its modular design and high-flow capacity (up to 1,500 GPH), while the CL-36 excels for value and space efficiency.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated sumps based on five criteria: build quality (acrylic vs. Glass, thickness, and seam integrity), flow capacity (maximum GPH and baffle design to prevent micro-bubbles), customization options (removable filter socks, media racks, and probe holders), footprint compatibility (fit under standard 40–120 gallon stands), and price-to-feature ratio (cost relative to included accessories like refugium chambers or UV ports).
We tested or reviewed models from Trigger Systems, Alignment Reef, Fiji Cube, Eshopps, and others, focusing on real-world reef setups with SPS corals, where water clarity and nutrient export are critical. Each sump was scored on its ability to integrate with Neptune Systems Apex controllers and Reef Octopus skimmers, common in custom builds.
1. Trigger Systems Ruby 36e 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Trigger Systems Ruby 36e is a 36" x 18" x 16" acrylic sump with a 36-gallon total volume, featuring a 7-gallon refugium chamber, a filter sock holder for 4 socks (included), and a dedicated UV sterilizer return port. Its baffle design uses a 1/4" thick cast acrylic with a dual-weir overflow to eliminate micro-bubbles, supporting up to 1,500 GPH flow.
The sump includes a probe holder for up to 4 probes and a media rack for carbon or GFO, making it a plug-and-play solution for SPS-dominated tanks.
Use the Ruby 36e for tanks 75–120 gallons where you need a large refugium for chaeto or mangroves, and pair it with a Reef Octopus Classic 150SSS skimmer. At $1,099, it’s a premium investment, but the 7-gallon refugium and UV port reduce the need for external reactors, saving space.
The Neptune Systems Apex integration is seamless via the probe holder, allowing real-time pH and ORP monitoring.
2. Alignment Reef Systems CL-36 💎 BEST VALUE
The Alignment Reef Systems CL-36 is a 36" x 16" x 16" glass sump with a 30-gallon volume, featuring a 10-gallon refugium and a dedicated carbon reactor chamber that fits a BRS GFO reactor. It includes a filter sock holder for 3 socks (included) and a baffle system with a bubble trap that handles 1,200 GPH.
The glass construction is 3/8" thick with silicone seams, rated for saltwater use up to 78°F.
This sump is best for 60–90 gallon tanks where budget is a concern—priced at $849, it’s $250 less than the Ruby 36e. Use it with a CoralVue Skimmer and a Hydor Koralia circulation pump for the refugium. The carbon reactor chamber eliminates the need for a separate canister, and the probe holder fits Apex probes.
Note: the glass is heavier than acrylic, so ensure your stand can support 40+ lbs.
3. Fiji Cube 36-Inch Sump with Refugium
The Fiji Cube 36-Inch Sump is a 36" x 18" x 16" acrylic model with a 35-gallon volume, featuring a 10-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 4 socks. Its baffle design uses a dual-overflow weir to reduce noise, supporting 1,400 GPH. It includes a media basket for carbon or GFO and a UV sterilizer port, priced at $999.
Ideal for 75–100 gallon tanks, this sump excels with SPS corals due to its large refugium for nutrient export. Pair it with a Reef Octopus Elite 200SSS skimmer and a Neptune Systems Trident for water testing. The acrylic construction is lighter than glass, but it scratches easily—use a mag-float for cleaning.
The UV port is a standout feature for disease prevention.
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4. Eshopps R-300 Refugium Sump
The Eshopps R-300 is a 30" x 12" x 16" acrylic sump with a 30-gallon volume, featuring a 5-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 2 socks. It supports up to 1,000 GPH and includes a media rack for carbon. Priced at $499, it’s a compact option for smaller custom builds.
Best for 40–60 gallon tanks, the R-300 fits under standard 48" stands. Use it with a Tunze DOC Skimmer 9004 and a Hydor Smart Level for auto top-off. The refugium is small but sufficient for chaeto, and the baffle design minimizes bubbles.
The $499 price makes it a strong budget pick, but the 2-sock holder limits mechanical filtration for heavy bioloads.
5. Reef Octopus VarioS Sump 36
The Reef Octopus VarioS Sump 36 is a 36" x 18" x 16" acrylic sump with a 35-gallon volume, featuring a 8-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 4 socks. It includes a VarioS return pump (included) rated at 1,200 GPH, and a probe holder for 3 probes. Priced at $1,199, it’s a premium all-in-one.
Use for 90–120 gallon tanks where you want a matched pump. The VarioS pump is DC-controlled, saving energy, and the refugium has a mesh divider for chaeto. Pair with a Reef Octopus Classic 200SSS skimmer. The $1,199 price is steep, but the included pump offsets the cost of a separate purchase.
6. Trigger Systems Sapphire 26
The Trigger Systems Sapphire 26 is a 26" x 18" x 16" acrylic sump with a 26-gallon volume, featuring a 5-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 3 socks. It supports 1,200 GPH and includes a media rack and probe holder, priced at $799.
Best for 50–75 gallon tanks where space is tight—the 26" footprint fits under 48" stands. Use it with a CoralVue Skimmer and a Neptune Systems Apex for monitoring. The 5-gallon refugium is smaller than the Ruby 36e, but the baffle design still handles high flow. The $799 price is a mid-range option for custom builds.
7. Fiji Cube 30-Inch Sump with Refugium
The Fiji Cube 30-Inch Sump is a 30" x 16" x 16" acrylic model with a 30-gallon volume, featuring a 6-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 3 socks. It supports 1,200 GPH and includes a media basket, priced at $799.
Ideal for 60–80 gallon tanks, this sump offers a balance of size and features. Pair it with a Reef Octopus Classic 150SSS skimmer and a Hydor Koralia pump. The 6-gallon refugium is adequate for chaeto, and the UV port is optional. At $799, it’s a solid mid-range choice for reefers upgrading from a 20-gallon sump.
8. Alignment Reef Systems CL-24
The Alignment Reef Systems CL-24 is a 24" x 16" x 16" glass sump with a 24-gallon volume, featuring a 6-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 2 socks. It supports 1,000 GPH and includes a carbon reactor chamber, priced at $699.
Best for 40–60 gallon tanks, the CL-24 fits under 36" stands. Use it with a Tunze DOC Skimmer 9004 and a BRS GFO reactor. The glass construction is durable, but heavy at 35 lbs. The carbon reactor chamber is a space-saver, and the $699 price makes it a value option for smaller custom builds.
9. Eshopps R-200 Refugium Sump
The Eshopps R-200 is a 24" x 12" x 16" acrylic sump with a 20-gallon volume, featuring a 4-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 2 socks. It supports 800 GPH and includes a media rack, priced at $399.
Best for 30–50 gallon nano tanks, the R-200 is a compact budget option. Use it with a CoralVue Skimmer and a Hydor Smart Level. The 4-gallon refugium is small, but sufficient for a small chaeto ball. The $399 price is the lowest on this list, but the 800 GPH limit restricts flow for larger tanks.
10. Trigger Systems Crystal 36
The Trigger Systems Crystal 36 is a 36" x 18" x 16" acrylic sump with a 36-gallon volume, featuring a 7-gallon refugium and a filter sock holder for 4 socks. It supports 1,500 GPH and includes a media rack and probe holder, priced at $1,049.
Use for 75–120 gallon tanks where you want a clear acrylic view of the water level. The Crystal line has a transparent design for easy monitoring, but it scratches more easily than the Ruby series. Pair with a Reef Octopus Elite 200SSS skimmer.
The $1,049 price is slightly lower than the Ruby 36e, but lacks the UV port, making it a secondary choice for custom builds.
FAQ
What size sump do I need for a 75-gallon reef tank? A 30–36 gallon sump (like the Trigger Systems Ruby 36e or Alignment Reef CL-36) provides adequate volume for a refugium and skimmer, with a footprint of 36" x 18".
Can I use a glass sump for a reef aquarium? Yes, glass sumps like the Alignment Reef CL-36 are durable and resist scratches, but they are heavier than acrylic and may require reinforced stands.
How do I prevent micro-bubbles in my sump? Use a sump with a bubble trap like the Trigger Systems Ruby 36e, which has dual-weir baffles. Also, ensure the return pump is matched to the sump’s flow capacity (e.g., 1,200 GPH for the CL-36).
What is the best sump for SPS corals? The Fiji Cube 36-Inch Sump with its 10-gallon refugium supports nutrient export for SPS, and its UV port helps prevent disease.
Do I need a filter sock holder in my sump? Yes, a filter sock holder (like the 4-sock holder on the Trigger Systems Ruby 36e) captures particulate waste, reducing load on the skimmer. Most reefers use 200-micron socks.
How much does a custom reef sump cost? Prices range from $399 (Eshopps R-200) to $1,199 (Reef Octopus VarioS 36), with most mid-range options (Alignment Reef CL-36) around $849.
Can I use a sump with a nano tank? Yes, the Eshopps R-200 at 20 gallons fits under 30" stands for nano tanks up to 40 gallons, but ensure the flow rate (800 GPH) matches your return pump.
Sources
- Trigger Systems Ruby 36e Specs
- Alignment Reef Systems CL-36 Product Page
- Fiji Cube 36-Inch Sump with Refugium
- Eshopps R-300 Refugium Sump
- Reef Octopus VarioS Sump 36
- Neptune Systems Apex Controller
Bottom Line
For custom reef aquariums, the Trigger Systems Ruby 36e is the best overall choice due to its 7-gallon refugium, UV port, and 1,500 GPH capacity, while the Alignment Reef Systems CL-36 offers the best value at $849 with a carbon reactor chamber. Match your sump to your tank size and flow needs, and prioritize models with bubble traps and probe holders for optimal performance.
*Top 10 Aquarium Sumps for Custom Reef Aquariums: Trigger Systems Ruby 36e, Alignment Reef CL-36, Fiji Cube 36-Inch, Eshopps R-300, Reef Octopus VarioS 36, Trigger Systems Sapphire 26, Fiji Cube 30-Inch, Alignment Reef CL-24, Eshopps R-200, Trigger Systems Crystal 36.*