Compact Reef Sump for 10 to 80-Gallon Aquariums with Adjustable Baffles and Dedicated Equipment Sections
The IceCap 15 Reef Sump V2 is an acrylic reef sump for aquariums in the 10 to 80-gallon range, designed to bring the organizational and filtration benefits of a proper external sump to smaller reef systems. Its 15 x 15 x 14-inch footprint fits beneath most aquarium stands in this size class, and the internal layout follows the same section-based organization as the larger IceCap 24 V2: a bubble-diffusing intake chamber, a built-in 4-inch filter sock holder, a skimmer section, and a return pump section — scaled to the space and flow demands of a nano to small reef.
The V2 revision of the SS15 introduced several changes: the freshwater reservoir was removed, the return pump section was expanded for more pump size and ATO routing flexibility, and two 1-inch intake drains plus an emergency drain holder were added. Built-in twin heater holders replaced the original suction cups. IceCap confirms exterior dimensions remain unchanged from V1, allowing upgrade without modifying stands or plumbing.
The 9.4 x 9.6-inch skimmer section is sized for nano and small reef protein skimmers. IceCap lists the K2 skimmer family — including the K2-50, K2-120, K2-160, and K2-200 — as recommended skimmer pairings for the SS15. The 4-inch filter sock holder is the same as the SS24 and fits the Klir Di-4 Auto Fleece Filter, though the Klir filter is sold separately.
Key Features:
- For reef aquariums ranging from 10 to 80 gallons
- Footprint: 15 x 15 x 14 in (LxWxH)
- Durable acrylic construction
- Bubble-diffusing intake chamber prevents microbubbles from reaching the return section
- Dual 1-inch intake drains (V2 update)
- Built-in 4-inch filter sock holder with 200-micron sock prefilter included
- Perfect fit for Klir Di-4 Auto Fleece Filter (sold separately)
- Skimmer section: 9.4 x 9.6 in — sized for IceCap K2 series and other nano/small reef skimmers
- Return pump section: 4.7 x 9.4 in (expanded in V2)
- Twin heater holder — built in (V2 update)
- Emergency drain holder (1-in)
- Triple probe holder and four-slot tubing holder
- Adjustable water depth: 5 to 9 inches
- Compartment lids for quiet operation
- V2 change: freshwater reservoir removed; return pump section expanded; exterior dimensions unchanged from V1
What Changed in V2 vs V1:
- Freshwater reservoir: Removed
- Return pump section: Expanded (additional space vs V1)
- Heater mounting: New built-in twin heater holder added
- Drains: New dual 1-inch intake drains + 1-inch emergency drain holder added
- Exterior dimensions: Unchanged from V1
Ideal For:
- Nano and small reef hobbyists with aquariums in the 10 to 80-gallon range who want the organizational benefits of a dedicated external sump — probe holder, heater isolation, protein skimmer section — without the footprint of a larger sump
- Hobbyists setting up their first reef system with a proper sump who want a purpose-built solution scaled to their tank rather than adapting a DIY or oversized sump beneath a small stand
- Existing IceCap 15 V1 owners who want to upgrade to the V2 improvements — expanded return section, built-in heater holders, new drains — without changing their cabinet or plumbing
Pro Tips:
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Match your skimmer to the 9.4 x 9.6-inch skimmer section dimensions before purchasing. The SS15's skimmer compartment is meaningfully smaller than the SS24's 11.8 x 13.8-inch section. IceCap recommends the K2 skimmer series for this sump — confirm the footprint and minimum water depth of your chosen K2 skimmer against the section size before ordering both products together.
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The expanded return pump section in V2 accommodates larger nano return pumps and ATO tube routing. The extra space compared to V1 is not just for a bigger pump — it gives room to run the ATO supply tube, a dosing line, and probe cables through the section without crowding the return pump itself. Plan the equipment arrangement in the return section before filling the sump.
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Use the Klir Di-4 to eliminate manual filter sock changes. The 4-inch sock holder accepts the Klir Di-4 Auto Fleece Filter directly. For a small reef system where the sump is typically in a tighter cabinet space and maintenance access can be awkward, automated fleece advancement removes the most frequent manual intervention in the sump — replacing or rinsing the filter sock — entirely.
