Adding Refugium to 30GL AIO overflow chambers..Pro's and Con's

[joe-ejs]

Hello,

I have an ongoing Hair Algae issue in my 30GL JBJ AIO tank. I would like to install a Refugium in one of the overflow chambers. This is a dual overflow AIO. There are essentially two chambers on each overflow side, and then one middle chamber that both drain to where the return pump is located.

I am thinking of using a Tunze 8831 Refugium light which is submersible / thin and 12" in length.

The total chamber dimensions for the Refugium is 2.5"w x 4"L and 12" in height. Has anyone else used an AIO for this purpose with good results? Is there anything I need to be concerned about?

Thanks

 

[joe-ejs]

So is a chamber in a AIO large MacroAlgae and have an effect on the tank nutrient levels with a chamber of 3"x4" x 12"H?

 

[3sxp]

Hi Joe. I know this is an old thread but I'm curious what you did.

I have a 2 month old tank and am currently fighting vicious red-brown hair algae. It overgrew the tank when the chaeto I was keeping in the rear of my 30L AIO melted. I didn't have a light on it for various reasons, and it didn't work. Worse, caused an ammonia spike when it died. I had been thinking of pulling it anyway because my nutrient levels have been so low, and should have sooner - but now I have algae.

I'm thinking of starting another refugium but in a hob filter so that I can monitor it. I'm curious what you tried, but I'd say the disadvantage to having it in the back of an AIO - which lots of folks seem to do - is it's harder to casually monitor the health of the algae.