I don't have room in for my sump. If I were to put together a separate refugium, How much flow do you want in it? Also, what is the easiest way to plumb it?
Flow in a refugium
- Thread starter cba191
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Kingsley_Reef
Valuable Member
not a ton of flow , show some pics we can probably help you figure something out
OP
OP
I was thinking about using an 8g aio
In hydroponic culture; one system volume per hour is a common target number; plants/macro algae need low flow to properly absorb nutrients!
Here’s a thought though; why not use an algae turf scrubber in place of a refugium? They are extremely compact vs. a macro algae refugium for the same result!
Here’s a thought though; why not use an algae turf scrubber in place of a refugium? They are extremely compact vs. a macro algae refugium for the same result!
OP
OP
It's more for copepods and stuff.
OP
OP
I'm new at saltwater, but how big are copepods? Would they fit in 1/4" id tubing?
Oh you’ll get plenty in an algae scrubber! I had a pair of dragonets for years in a 45-50g system; just rock/rubble in the sump, and a DIY double lit cascade style scrubber!
Yup! They’re barely visible to the naked eye!
Amphipods can get to maybe 1/4” long tops in the typical reef tank, and will happily move through 1/4” ID tubing too!
OP
OP
I guess i have no idea what an algae scrubber is. I've seen cool refugiums that have cool stuff worth seeing.
If you want to use a macro algae refugium for display purposes, then absolutely! A second tank which cascades into either your display or your sump is a great choice which many use!
If your only target is the filtration/PH stability/ pod production aspect of a refugium, an algae scrubber is an excellent alternative which isn’t as bulky!
OP
OP
Thats what I'm thinking. With a sensor to shut off the pump if the water level gets too high. That way i don't have to make the pumps sync.
jonelder68
Valuable Member
I have a remote refugium tied into the sump. Return pump feeds it. Havent noticed any difference in low flow or high flow. The macro’s grow as well as the pods regardless.
Oh, you do NOT want to do things this way! It’s been tried and it has failed countless times…
Gravity drains are the gold standard for a reason! When people say their refugium overflows to their sump, they mean via a gravity fed overflow system… not via a second pump, trying to pump water out at the exact rate that water is pumped in!
OP
OP
I was planning on NOT using a return pump. Using just gravity. How flow in various diameter pvc with gravity? Just a pump from the skimmer chamber and a gravity overflow to the main return chamber.
Ah, my mistake! That layout will work well!
Regarding gravity drain flow: Here’s a plumbing size and flow chart that was shared around here recently, by @exnisstech IIRC…
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