Refugium for AIO tank?

[Hook’emReef512]

Looking for thoughts, ideas, recommendations....

Would like to add a refugium to a 30G AIO tank.

I don't have the room to retrofit a back chamber, so was thinking of making a DIY sump/refugium. I've got a 20inch tall glass vase that would fit perfect under my display cabinet. Would be very easy to throw a return pump in it with a bunch of cheato and a refugium light. Just trying to figure out the best way to run the water from the display. I like the idea of the Aquamaxx Macro Reactors, and this would be a DIY version of that.

Has anyone used a lily pipe system as an overflow for a reef tank? Something like this...

Neo Flow Premium Lily Pipe Set - Large

Neo Flow Premium: An All-Inclusive Lily Pipe Set Compact Design: Small radius, so it can be installed more closely to the glass. Durable Construction: Made of clear PETG - stronger than glass or acrylic. Easy cleaning: Unlike stainless and glass products, cleaning is easier because the inlet...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Are there other options out there that would serve this purpose? Maybe a good nano overflow that isn't so costly?

Thought about a HOB refugium, but dont love the idea of something else hanging on the tank and decent ones are >$300+ (with pump/light/container/algae)

Any thoughts or recommendations on this topic? Does anyone have a refugium attached to an AIO?

 

[Channas]

Well my idea for you is to buy a small tank that fits and take out the side panel of your new little refugium and glue it to the side of the sump abit higher up (2 inches) and use a pump to pump over to the refugium and the gravitation drops it back inside the sump, i’ve Done it and it works

Did a weird side project when my wife forbidd me to have more than 2 aquariums so i glued togethur 3 had it running like this for 3 years with no issues until we moved and i upgraded to a proper tank

 

[Hook’emReef512]

Thats pretty sweet looking. what is the thank on the far left? is that a QT?

I have a macro tank and a reef. these are about 2.5months old. The vase down below is what I want to turn into a refugium.

 

[Channas]

Thats pretty sweet looking. what is the thank on the far left? is that a QT?

I have a macro tank and a reef. these are about 2.5months old. The vase down below is what I want to turn into a refugium.

At first it was a refill ato then became a qt then lastly a frag box for red macros as the years went by and jail for ”evil” Hermit crabs

Those tanks look really great but it will be difficult to make the vase a refugium i belive.

Maybe you could cut some glass and glue it to the vase to direct the water and have a pump that pump over the water to the vase which then drop down the water to the sump? I dont know any other fool proof way not to cause issues down the line

 

[Channas]

I have a mixed reef of about 190 gal or so and a softie/macro tank with seahorses which is 75 ish gal. The 190 ish is my own build and has not been finished yet, the top will be built in eventually the seahorse tank is quite new, only 4 months old and battling dinos sadly but it will be fine with a bit of patience

 

[BryanM]

Another option might be an ATS from Santa Monica Filtration. Their drop and hog line might work for you.