Sump question

[stanleo]

I bought a commercial sump and I’m waiting for a part to install. I really want a refugium but I don’t know that there is space. I’m thinking I can put LR rubble around the skimmer and a light to grow algae but I have some concerns.

Would the algae plug up the skimmer? Is there a way to avoid that?

Would the copepods and such make it to the display tank through the black filter sponge? Can I take that out? I was going to place the carbon socks under that so I don’t know that I should.

 

[RMS18]

I bought a commercial sump and I’m waiting for a part to install. I really want a refugium but I don’t know that there is space. I’m thinking I can put LR rubble around the skimmer and a light to grow algae but I have some concerns.

Would the algae plug up the skimmer? Is there a way to avoid that?

Would the copepods and such make it to the display tank through the black filter sponge? Can I take that out? I was going to place the carbon socks under that so I don’t know that I should.

How far back can the skimmer go? You could split the skimmer section probably in 1/4 and close it off for a fuge, it would be small but still effective. Just cut a piece of acrylic and glue it into place. The water that enters the fuge part will not be skimmed but that is ok, as it will feed the macro algae.