The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Trigger Systems Sumps

• Posted on 15 May 2018
• Posted in best aquarium sump, best sump, crystal sump, emerald sump, reef sump, ruby sump, sapphire sump, tideline sump, tigger systems, trigger sump, trigger systems sumps, triton sump
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The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Trigger Systems Sumps - Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Tideline.
What are the differences? Which one to go with?

Having serviced thousands of aquariums over our past 17 years, we have come across some horrible sumps, lots of decently acceptable sumps and a small handful of great sumps. Trigger Systems is one of those brands that fall under the “great” category. We have always been happy with their designs, quality and service. It has been our go-to brand whenever we set up a new aquarium or update an old filtration system.

With 5 different product lines (Crystal, Ruby, Emeralds/Sapphire, Triton & Tideline) and several sizes/models within each product line, it can be very difficult to decipher which sump is right for you.

The Crystal Series is the most economical of the sumps. While they do not have all the bells and whistles of the others, they do still feature the same high-quality cast acrylic and amazing craftsmanship that Trigger Systems is known for. Clear acrylic is used throughout to keep the Crystal sumps affordable and practical features like the drawstring tab for filter socks and the dual-platform make them super functional.

These 3-chambered sumps feature a skimmer chamber, a refugium chamber and a return pump chamber. Water level in the skimmer and refugium chambers is fixed at 9.5”.

Next is the Ruby Series. The Ruby sumps are slightly larger than the comparable Crystal Sumps. There are two styles of Ruby Sumps available: Sump or Elite. The Sump models have a similar design to the Crystal Sumps where water first enters the sump through filters socks. Next, water travels into the skimmer chamber, then refugium chamber, and finally the return pump chamber. As in the Crystal, the water level in the Ruby Sump’s skimmer and refugium chambers is fixed at 9.5”. The Ruby Cube differs from the Crystal Cube in that the water level in the skimmer and refugium chambers is adjustable from 7” to 9.5”.

The second option is the Ruby Elite. The Elite sumps differ in that the refugium chamber has a separate feed. You are able to take a separate line from your aquarium and have it drain directly into the refugium. The advantage is that you are able to control the flow rate through the refugium and that the water is not pre-filtered by filter socks and protein skimmer so the refugium receives as much nutrients as possible. The Elite model also features and adjustable water level in the skimmer and refugium chamber of 7” to 10”.

Both Ruby Sump and Ruby Elite also feature built-in probe holders for your pH, temperature and ORP probes.

The most popular series for our customer is the top-of-the-line Emerald/Sapphire.

Unique features that make your water cleaner and make servicing your sump easier is what makes these sumps so popular. First of these features is the patent pending inlet with interchangeable plates. Rather than going into the filter socks directly, water first enters a small inlet chamber then overflows into the filter sock chamber. The top of the filter sock chamber gives you the option to either have the water go directly in to the filter socks, or have water first pass through a filter sponge for extra mechanical filtration and a dispersion plate. A lid for the filter sock chamber is also included to minimize noise and salt creep.

The Emerald/Sapphire sumps also feature adjustable water levels for the skimmer/refugium chambers of 7” to 9.5”, a self-adjusting foam block platform, probe holders, laser engraved water level markers and pre-drilled holes for dosing/ATO tubes. All these great features make the Emerald/Sapphire perfect for just about any aquarium.

For SPS keepers or ‘stick heads’, the Aquamarine Triton Sumps and the Triton System is worth taking a closer look.

The Triton method is a method of reef keeping that required NO WATER CHANGES! It relies on an extra-large refugium chamber with tumbling chaetomorpha for nutrient export. The tumbling allows for all sides of the chaetomorpha to be exposed to light and accelerates its growth. The Trigger Systems Triton sump is designed to cater perfectly for those running the Triton Method. Configurable inlet plates allow you to run either three 1” inlets or drill your own with a blank inlet plate that is included. Once water enters the sump, it travels to the large chaetomorpha chamber. A polycarbonate lid covers this chamber to prevent water spray, reduce evaporation and reduce salt creep. Being made of polycarbonate also means that the lid will not warp. There is also an algae blocker that prevents the chaetomorpha from making its way to the next chamber. True Triton method does not require a protein skimmer. However, most hobbyists tend have higher bioloads, so Trigger Systems included space for a compact protein skimmer. Going all out for this sump, Trigger Systems also added cord organizers, probe holders, dosing tube ports with quick disconnects, laser engraved water level indicator, smoke-color acrylic baffles and back, media platform, and separate water level adjustments for both the refugium chamber and the skimmer chamber.

If you plan to run the Triton Method, THIS is the sump you want.

Last, but not the least, of the Trigger Systems sumps are the Tideline Sumps. These pumps are available only through brick and mortar stores like us. These sumps are designed for hobbyists that prefer higher flow rates through their sumps. They have either three or four 1” drains to accommodate the higher flow rate. They also use 7” socks that do not require cleaning as frequently as 4” socks. Similar to the Emerald/Sapphire, the Tideline sumps also feature adjustable water level for the skimmer/refugium chambers, a lid for the filter sock chamber, probe holder, dual platforms for filter media with a self-adjusting foam block platform and dosing/ato hose ports.

With all the options available, it is easy to find a Trigger Systems sump that suits your needs perfectly. There are also ATO Reserviors and Dosing reservoirs available to match your shiny new sump. If you need help picking one out, we are happy to help! Their superb quality, performance and reliability have made us huge Trigger Systems fans. Once you have owned one, you will be too!