Refugium in drain chamber?

[GOSKN5]

I want to incorporate a refugium in my sump, for the benefits and because I think it's cool :)...

My sump is very simple, one drain into filter sock in first chamber, one baffle followed by skimmer and return pump in a shared chamber.

Any reason I cannot make the first chamber where the return empties the refugium? It has a large filter sock hanging in it which isn't ideal, but does reduce flow nicely into that chamber.

Will the light hitting the sock have any effect? I change it twice a week and clean anyway.... thoughts?

pic of sump for reference.. (flows left to right)..

 

[toothybugs]

Nothing stopping you, except you might have difficulty lighting around the sock as you mentioned, effectively reducing the size of your fuge. On the other hand, with no sock the inflow could tumble a chaeto ball nicely without a need for an extra powerhead.

Also, if your chaeto sheds curls, your skimmer could suck them up and see a reduction in efficiency. Been there, done that - after a while its no fun picking the weed knits outta your skimmer's teeth.

 

[twilliard]

So correct! The skimmer might shred up some algae and release it into your DT

 

[GOSKN5]

What if I put a small egg crate or similar with mesh over it to catch any escaped cheato etc? Have to clean it obviously, maybe more trouble than worth.... any other ideas?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

What if I put a small egg crate or similar with mesh over it to catch any escaped cheato etc? Have to clean it obviously, maybe more trouble than worth.... any other ideas?

move the skimmer.

 

[GOSKN5]

There isn't a baffle in the second chamber... so the skimmer and return pump share that space...

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

yea I was surprised by that. You don't get micro bubbles in the DT without the baffle?
you could always add acrylic and make a third chamber.
personally I think your fine w chato in the first chamber too.