Trigger Systems has been providing great sumps for a while now, and they recently expanded their lineup to include the Tideline series. Trigger Systems took notice of the rise in white reefing equipment in the market, and put their own spin on it. The layout is versatile, and they added enough little features to make it a compelling sump option.
The model for this initial review is the Tideline 48 series. It is one of the largest mass produced sumps available, at 48”L x 20”W x 16”H. Total water volume is around 64 gallons. The build quality is really nice for the price. The top outer edge is rounded, giving it a premium feel. It would have been extra nice if the inner edge of the top bracing was rounded as well. Most reefers can lament at what a sharp edge with saltwater does to your forearms when working in a tank or sump.
The sump includes a filter sock, skimmer, refugium, and return pump area. Three 1” drains have their outputs submerged in a distinct compartment which overflows onto the 7” filter socks. This design allows the sump to play nice with “Herbie” or “Bean Animal” overflow configurations. The filter sock compartment has a hefty lid to keep salt spray and noise in check.
The skimmer compartment measures in at 14” x 19.5”. Plenty of space for a decent internal skimmer, and even a small media reactor. The skimmer section also features a probe holder. Skimmed water travels through a solid white divider into the refugium section. The opaque dividers are advertised as light blockers, preventing unwanted algae in other sections.
But the divider is low enough that some light will still hit the protein skimmer. A taller divider would have been preferred. An extra 3 inches in height could still allow a safety gap for water to travel over if needed. The refugium area could also serve as a frag tank(or whatever you want it to be). It is approximately the same size as the skimmer compartment.
The overflow baffle to the return pump section is adjustable in height with the turn of a few thumb screws. This is a really great thing! Internal skimmers usually have strict requirements for operating depth. The adjustable baffle avoids the need for raising your skimmer. Water exiting the refugium will travel over two trays that accommodate sponges and other media. The perimeter bracing near the return pump compartment has 4 holes for quarter inch tubing. This will keep the two part dosers happy and then some.
In conclusion, this is a really sweet large sump! It is very versatile, with the right blend of features to appeal to most reef keepers. The white acrylic is both beautiful and functional. Salt creep is much less offensive on white, that you have to wonder why we’ve been doing black acrylic for so long. The Tideline sumps are available in three sizes (30,36, & 48″). They will certainly put a smile on your face when it’s time to empty the skimmer cup. This particular sump will be used in the reboot we posted about earlier. Hopefully it fits!
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