Considering a Refugium on Waterbox 20Gal, thoughts?

[MDSReefing]

I am interested in turning a 20 gallon long vivarium that I’ve had for previous reptile ventures into a refugium for my 20 gallon DT. It’s either that or maybe turn it into a new frag quarantine tank.

I am mostly intrigued by this idea due to the fact that I can add more water volume to the tank, (more volume, more stability from what I read) and having the ability to produce my own never ending food source (copepods) for my upcoming corals.

but I have some questions, I know this is not a “need” per say. But from what I have read it seems very beneficial. I am planning on having mostly Soft corals, LPS, and maybe (down the line) some Stoney SPS as well as a few inverts/CC. Maybe a couple Amphiprion down the road.

My question is, how would one plum an outside fuge? Would this type of setup really be necessary for such a small nano reef system? Any tips would be great. Also, if I did go the fuge route, should I construct chambers? Just thinkin out loud here.

 

[Copingwithpods]

I might be wrong but I read somewhere reptile urine ruins the silicone in tanks making them useless for water. Don't know how true that is but it can't hurt to look that up.