Adding a Display Refugium to a 125g

[michaelmmreef01]

I've been thinking, and I would really like to setup a display 55g refugium filled with macroalgae. The main purpose is because I want more natural nutrient control for nitrates and phosphates, but I would rather set it up next to the tank and make it nice looking rather than underneath. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to do this? Someone told me that it should be fairly easy, the 55g's water level just has to be slightly higher than the 125g, and then I need a pump to pump water from the 125g to the 55g. But then how would I get the water from the 55g back to the 125? With another pump?
Oh, and I am right in my thinking that a 55g with lots of macro would help with nutrients in my 125 right?

What kind of pipes/plumbing would I need, and what would be the easiest way of setting it up?

Thanks so much!

 

[JZinCO]

Do you have a sump?
I have two DTs and tee-off the return line from the sump to each tank. Then each tank's outflow goes to the sump

 

[JZinCO]

If you don't have a sump, just plumb one tank like the sump of another:
Put a pump in Tank A (the tank with the lower water line). Pump to Tank B. Drain from Tank B down to Tank A.

Don't use two pumps.

 

[michaelmmreef01]

If you don't have a sump, just plumb one tank like the sump of another:
Put a pump in Tank A (the tank with the lower water line). Pump to Tank B. Drain from Tank B down to Tank A.

Don't use two pumps.

Hey there! I don't have a sump, so I will be going with this option. So, when I drain from Tank B to Tank A, how exactly do I plumb that? Like can I just have tubing secured from one tank to the other? How do I keep the flow going? Thanks!

 

[teddyzaper]

Hey there! I don't have a sump, so I will be going with this option. So, when I drain from Tank B to Tank A, how exactly do I plumb that? Like can I just have tubing secured from one tank to the other? How do I keep the flow going? Thanks!

You need an overflow of some kind. Most people drill their tanks and add an overflow that way, but there are hang on back overflows as well (more prone to failure).

Think of it like this. You have a tank of water pumping up to a second tank above it. Once the upper tank fills up, it starts to overflow. We want it to overflow back into the lower tank to make a continuous loop. Syphons don't work as if they break the syphon then you'll have water all over the floor. You must use gravity.

 

[michaelmmreef01]

Would something like this work well?
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/deluxe-cs150-with-lid-and-aqua-lifter.html
It says it has a flow rate of 1600 GPH. So does that mean I would need a pump that pumps exactly 1600 GPH to match it?
Sorry, I'm somewhat new to this type of setup.

 

[callsign4223]

It means you can get a pump up to 1600gph. Any pump under that would work.

 

[teddyzaper]

Would something like this work well?
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/deluxe-cs150-with-lid-and-aqua-lifter.html
It says it has a flow rate of 1600 GPH. So does that mean I would need a pump that pumps exactly 1600 GPH to match it?
Sorry, I'm somewhat new to this type of setup.

Yes, that is a HOB overflow box. I don't like them because they have the possibility to fail. I always drill my tank.

You need a pump that does 1600 or less. The overflow has a max speed of 1600gph.

 

[michaelmmreef01]

Thanks.

So if I went with this, how exactly would I plumb it? Like as far as tubing and valves I might need/how to keep the tubing in place?

 

[JZinCO]

I recommend you spend some time looking at:
http://gmacreef.com/aquarium-overflows-durso-herbie-and-bean-setups/

When I set up my first tank I was afraid of screwing up the drilling so I bought a hang on back siphon-based overflow. I drilled my second tank. I haven't had issues *knock on wood* but now know I should have drilled.
Besides, the overflow you looked at is $$. It's cheaper to buy an internal overflow box and drill.

 

[teddyzaper]

Thanks.

So if I went with this, how exactly would I plumb it? Like as far as tubing and valves I might need/how to keep the tubing in place?

Check out brs 52 weeks of reefing. I believe in the first 10 videos they go all over plumbing

 

[callsign4223]

Be very careful with what you're drilling. A large majority(read all) of 55g aquariums have tempered back glass. You CANNOT drill tempered glass. It will shatter. If you do choose to drill your tank for an overflow, make sure you get an aquarium without a tempered back. I believe that 40b generally have untempered backs, but don't take my word for it. Be sure to double check yourself that any tank you wish to drill has an untempered back panel

 

[ericarenee]

Can the 55 be drilled for a overflow . most are tempered.. But i guess you can use a cpr type over flow box.

I Have my Display fuge under my Display tank. the display tank is 240 gallons and the fuge is 75 .. I have a t in the the 2 inch drain pipe on the display that sends some of the water into Fuge tank.. it then over flows back into the same 2 inch pipe and goes down into my basement where the sump it...
NOW Next to my 240 we have a 40 gallon frag tank. Currently has clown fish spawning in it.. My return pump pumps water up to my display and the smaller tank. the drain on the smaller tank also drops into the fuge..

So you would need the fuge over flow box to be lower then the over flow box on the display tank but higher then your sump ...
Then just plumb properly .. Try using gravity instead of larger pumps.

 

[teddyzaper]

I drilled my 55g without issues. It's just a normal aqueon 55g

 

[ericarenee]

I drilled my 55g without issues. It's just a normal aqueon 55g

A Standard 55 long. 48x12x24?? most are 3/16 tempered glass.

 

[teddyzaper]

A Standard 55 long. 48x12x24?? most are 3/16 tempered glass.

The bottom is. Aqueon states that if they use tempered glass on the front, sides, or back that there will be a sticker on the underside of the tank stating so. Just look for a sticker before purchasing

 

[michaelmmreef01]

Thanks everyone for the help, I appreciate it!