Built a 3G refugium for $50 that includes it's own recirculation pump, LED light, and lid. It utilizes an existing reactor setup by dumping the outlet of the reactor into the fuge and then overflow back into sump. Buy the API semi-hex 3G aquarium from Petsmart for $40. It comes with a recessed back where the filter/pump resides and serves as a good place to insert the overflow. It also comes with a lid that has built-in LED light.
Purchase a 3/4" bulkhead connector with an extra gasket. Drill about a 1 1/4" hole in the recess part such that the bulkhead connector can fit below the aquarium lip. You will need to trim the lip of the connector on the inside of the aquarium a bit on two sides so that it fits flush between the walls of the recess. Use the spare gasket on the outside to provide a good seal on both sides and prevent stress on the acrylic when you tighten the bulkhead hex nut.
Insert the pump/filter to provide an indirect path to the overflow. You can choose to not use the filter pad if you want 'pods to enter your DT. You can also choose not to plug up the pump if concerned about 'pods.
Next, position the refugium next to your sump such that the overflow reaches above the lip of your sump. Use 3/4" PVC to extend and direct overflow onto an existing filter pad to soften the noise of water returning to the sump.
Now, direct the outlet of a reactor into the refugium or use a spare pump. Use a valve to control the flow rate so that you don't exceed your normal drain rate. You may need a check valve on your water supply line to the refugium to prevent water from siphoning into the sump when you have the pumps off.
Still waiting on my order for macro algae and 'pods to get it into full service. I also don't expect the LED light to be sufficient but should be easy enough to supplement should it be needed. We will see.
Purchase a 3/4" bulkhead connector with an extra gasket. Drill about a 1 1/4" hole in the recess part such that the bulkhead connector can fit below the aquarium lip. You will need to trim the lip of the connector on the inside of the aquarium a bit on two sides so that it fits flush between the walls of the recess. Use the spare gasket on the outside to provide a good seal on both sides and prevent stress on the acrylic when you tighten the bulkhead hex nut.
Insert the pump/filter to provide an indirect path to the overflow. You can choose to not use the filter pad if you want 'pods to enter your DT. You can also choose not to plug up the pump if concerned about 'pods.
Next, position the refugium next to your sump such that the overflow reaches above the lip of your sump. Use 3/4" PVC to extend and direct overflow onto an existing filter pad to soften the noise of water returning to the sump.
Now, direct the outlet of a reactor into the refugium or use a spare pump. Use a valve to control the flow rate so that you don't exceed your normal drain rate. You may need a check valve on your water supply line to the refugium to prevent water from siphoning into the sump when you have the pumps off.
Still waiting on my order for macro algae and 'pods to get it into full service. I also don't expect the LED light to be sufficient but should be easy enough to supplement should it be needed. We will see.
