Is this even possible?

[Rawsreef]

hey guys,

basically I’m trying to add an external refugium to my existing mixed reef sump. The idea is to place a small 5G tank or so, right next to my sump, in the cabinet under the DT.

What I want to know is how would I be able to get water flowing back and forth safely, if possible

 

[elysics]

Elevate the refugium, pump in water with a small pump, have it flow back down into the sump through an overflow or bulkhead

 

[Reefing102]

Another option, although I have never done this so it is just a thought, could be to split your drain line from the tank and have a separate return pump.

Not sure how exactly that would work. Just thinking outloud

 

[Rawsreef]

Elevate the refugium, pump in water with a small pump, have it flow back down into the sump through an overflow or bulkhead

This is probably my project for today

never tried something like this, seems pretty simple though. I was thinking of picking up a 5 gal fish tank from petco for this. hardest part will be drilling through glass to add the bulkhead. hopefully they have something acrylic.

if not I’ll just probably use a 5 gallon jug or something and just cut it to fit for now until I can find a small acrylic type of tank

 

[Rawsreef]

Wonder if this would would or if it’s too small?

 

[Radman73]

I have a 75gal refugium in my garage attached via plumbing to my office WB130. As said earlier, elevation of the refugium is key. Been running this way for about 5 years now.

 

[Rawsreef]

As said earlier, elevation of the refugium is key.

This is so in case of the water of my aquarium/sump won’t overflow into refugium correct ?

if I put refugium between sump and DT in terms of height

the water of the DT can overflow into the sump like always, but the water in the sump will not overflow or siphon into the fuge correct?


Also watching this video and I’m learning to another possible method

 

[scubaReef002]

Interesting. I've considered this in the past as well.

 

[Radman73]

This is so in case of the water of my aquarium/sump won’t overflow into refugium correct ?

if I put refugium between sump and DT in terms of height

the water of the DT can overflow into the sump like always, but the water in the sump will not overflow or siphon into the fuge correct?

I feed both the refugium and display tank from my return pump in the sump. This allows me take off the refugium off line easily for any number of reasons. I would not have the DT drain to the fuge and then the sump. Either place the fuge up high and have it drain to the DT, or have it drain to the return section of the sump. It needs to be clearly above whatever location it is draining to.

 

[Rawsreef]

Ok so, easiest way to do this work would be if I got an acrylic tank. That way I can just drill right through it, without a special bit.

I figured the largest dimensions I can fit comfortably in the space next to my sump would be

W L H
12” x 10” x 6”

The height seems a bit tight, I may be able to gain an inch or two if mount the light closer to the cabinet if I mount it without the bracket, just flat on the top of the cabinet. I think I may be able to fit a bit more than 2.5 gallons of water total into that space. Maybe?

I think that’s enough water for the chaeto to sit in anyways.

Now where to find a container that fits that size. A bit smaller container may work but then I would be losing water capacity.

Standard 2.5 g tank would an option but they’re mostly glass. And I would like something a bit more budget friendly.

maybe make a container out of acrylic?


any ideas?

 

[Radman73]

Ok so, easiest way to do this work would be if I got an acrylic tank. That way I can just drill right through it, without a special bit.

I figured the largest dimensions I can fit comfortably in the space next to my sump would be

W L H
12” x 10” x 6”

The height seems a bit tight, I may be able to gain an inch or two if mount the light closer to the cabinet if I mount it without the bracket, just flat on the top of the cabinet. I think I may be able to fit a bit more than 2.5 gallons of water total into that space. Maybe?

I think that’s enough water for the chaeto to sit in anyways.

Now where to find a container that fits that size. A bit smaller container may work but then I would be losing water capacity.

Standard 2.5 g tank would an option but they’re mostly glass. And I would like something a bit more budget friendly.

maybe make a container out of acrylic?


any ideas?

Check rubbermaid storage containers, kitchen storage, etc... Doesn't need to be a "tank" when you're talking those sizes.