PetPal Gear Score

This factor looks at how the sump splits flow into the skimmer, refugium, and return zones, and it carries the highest weight because the layout decides what the sump can actually run. A good design keeps each chamber separate so the jobs do not fight one another, and a real refugium zone lets macroalgae export nitrate and phosphate. The ReefSump Score is a composite of manufacturer specifications and expert consensus rather than a measurement, since PetPalHQ does not run a testing lab.

This factor covers the build material and the baffle design, because cast acrylic and a top brace resist bowing over years of continuous use. Clean baffles trap micro-bubbles before they reach the return pump, and adjustable baffles let you tune the water level to your gear. A sump with better acrylic and smarter baffles earns a higher mark here than a thinner, fixed-baffle box.

This factor measures how much room and how many holders the sump gives your gear, which includes space for a skimmer, heater, return pump, and reactors. It also weighs the probe holders, dosing holes, an automatic top-off mount, and a filter sock or floss tray. A sump that provides more homes for your equipment scores higher than one that leaves your gear with nowhere to sit.

This factor balances how much water and capacity you get against the cabinet space the sump eats, because more water buffers temperature, salinity, and chemistry while a large footprint may not fit your stand. It rewards a sump that delivers useful volume without wasting space, since the biggest box is not helpful if it cannot pass through the cabinet door.

This factor weighs seam quality and the brand's track record for staying dry, because a sump runs for years under your tank and often goes unattended for long stretches. Strong seams and a clean history matter more than they first appear. Price is excluded from the rubric, so the premium and larger picks are neither rewarded nor penalized for cost.