Where can I put a refugium in this sump?

[Guiids]

Please see picture below.
It's this model https://topshelfaquatics.com/products/reef-sump-24-icecap-1?variant=49125271372074&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Coral Feed (CTX)&utm_content=Reef Sump 24 - IceCap&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzba9BhBhEiwA7glbat-fHCF3C-J6RJzUrdZ56HE_IS87-cpZluTzt7_dVoAsBcXPXmZ4GRoC9ZEQAvD_BwE

Would it be possible to make a chamber for a refugium? Or is there somewhere obvious I could set it up? I could move the protein skimmer forward and maybe have a floating breeder box behind it with the macro algae in it? I'm brand new to sumps, just having a hard time figuring out the best solution.

 

[exnisstech]

Maybe put a divider using egg crate in the skimmer section. I've done it and it works. Too bad it has a built-in ATO reservoir. It would be perfect to have the ATO chamber a fuge with water flowing through there then to the return.

 

[OriginalUserName]

Could you modify the ATO chamber and use that perhaps?

 

[Guiids]

Could you modify the ATO chamber and use that perhaps?

Yeah I mean I guess I could modify the ATO. What would be the water flow? From skimmer area to refugium then to pump area? I would have to block off the skimmer->pump space then to force it thru auto ATO first?

Or just leave it as is and the water flow does what it does but make large gaps between the ATO->pump area and Skimmer->ATO area?

 

[OriginalUserName]

Yeah I mean I guess I could modify the ATO. What would be the water flow? From skimmer area to refugium then to pump area? I would have to block off the skimmer->pump space then to force it thru auto ATO first?

Or just leave it as is and the water flow does what it does but make large gaps between the ATO->pump area and Skimmer->ATO area?

Convert ATO to small fuge maybe by letting water flow from skimmer chamber into that and then into the return section? Could also add a small pump to pump water into that section and let it flow into return. Hard to suggest much without having it in front of me.

Perhaps an a chaeto or algae reactor may be easier?

 

[BryanM]

I would think getting an ATS from Santa Monica would be easier (and IMO better)

 

[Guiids]

Dang those are expensive! Maybe worth it over modifying the sump I guess

 

[BryanM]

Dang those are expensive! Maybe worth it over modifying the sump I guess

They are not cheap, but there's plenty of success stories in the forums about them here.

They're essentially a refugium on steroids, and I really like the fact that they are self contained and you don't need to worry about sprawl.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I would do what @exnisstech recommended. Adding a simple acrylic divider to split the return section. Unless you know you need all that room which most likely never do.

I'm in the same boat and was trying to go custom route. But no one is responded to my inquires so I'm DIYing a Fiji Cube-12 sump.

 

[goody]

I'm not familiar with this sump but looking at it, is the left side and ATO or drain? From the photo it looks like the front left side has an open section leading to the skimmer section. Why not make that area a refugium with eggcrate to keep the macros from going into skimmer section.

 

[phillyb614]

Perhaps you could put some aquamesh here?

 

[Guiids]

I'm not familiar with this sump but looking at it, is the left side and ATO or drain? From the photo it looks like the front left side has an open section leading to the skimmer section. Why not make that area a refugium with eggcrate to keep the macros from going into skimmer section.

Well it's where water enters from the filter sock, there's a plastic panel with a hole on it from the sump intake. So how would I have a light on the algae?

 

[goody]

Well it's where water enters from the filter sock, there's a plastic panel with a hole on it from the sump intake. So how would I have a light on the algae?

There used to be small magnetic refugium lights by JB nano glo and IM magnafuge (not sure if this is still in production)
https://a.co/d/8KZNmY8

 

[VintageReefer]

I would recommend the surf product line bug if you don’t have the space then One of the magnetic hog or drop scrubbers from Santa Monica would fit nicely.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Please see picture below.
It's this model https://topshelfaquatics.com/products/reef-sump-24-icecap-1?variant=49125271372074&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Coral Feed (CTX)&utm_content=Reef Sump 24 - IceCap&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzba9BhBhEiwA7glbat-fHCF3C-J6RJzUrdZ56HE_IS87-cpZluTzt7_dVoAsBcXPXmZ4GRoC9ZEQAvD_BwE

Would it be possible to make a chamber for a refugium? Or is there somewhere obvious I could set it up? I could move the protein skimmer forward and maybe have a floating breeder box behind it with the macro algae in it? I'm brand new to sumps, just having a hard time figuring out the best solution.

Right side - pump area

 

[Guiids]

Right side - pump area

Wouldn't the pump suck growth in?

 

[Guiids]

I would recommend the surf product line bug if you don’t have the space then One of the magnetic hog or drop scrubbers from Santa Monica would fit nicely.

Thank you I'll check it out

 

[vetteguy53081]

Wouldn't the pump suck growth in?

You want to add a partition such as Egg crate to allow flow. Best would be Chaeto

 

[Subsea]

Refugium is a refuge from predators. Algae filter will do that, however don’t expect a small algae filter to perform much nutrient export. Algae turf scrubber is a separate conversation.

I am not familiar with that remote refugium that you have. Amphipods & copepods do not need a lighted refugium and neither does live rock with cryptic sponges. Consider getting reef rubble and seeding with amphipods & copepods for diversity of zooplankton. If the rubble was diver collected, then you have your inoculation of cryptic sponges. The biochemistry of cryptic sponges is complex, yet very effective. Once established, you can throw your protein skimmer away.

PS: cryptic sponges feed on DOC & POC and produce DIC & energy rich detritus to feed the microbial food web and move carbon up the food chain.