Adding refugium to existing sump?

[starionesir]

I built my own sump from a old 40 gallon tank and didn't think about having a refugium at the time. I since have decided I want to go that route but don't have the space in the sump. I'm thinking of using a old 3 gallon plastic tank I had setup for a betta in one of my kids room once before. Drilling it for a bulkhead and draining it back into the return section of my sump. Is that really too small of a tank for refugium?

 

[tzylak]

Something is better than nothing but since even you are asking that very question sounds like 3 gallons is too small. The idea is good but seems that as soon as you have your setup complete you'll find yourself limited and will start planning for expansion. Consider planning that expansion as your first step.
Good luck!

 

[starionesir]

I would like to do something like a 10 gallon for added space for my macro algae but problem is to do it right I really need to drill the tank for a bulk head and I've read and heard drilling glass that thin is difficult and the tanks usually break.

Was also looking to reuse what stuff I have around the house already too if possible.

 

[E46Twist]

How is your current sump setup?

 

[toothybugs]

I drilled my 10 'fuge with a small diamond drill bit (I think 3/32") and punched a hole for a diamond Dremel bit. I traced out the bulkhead position with a Sharpie and then cut out the hole. Check the fitting and grind down what needs to be ground down for fit, then have at it. Doing mine only took 5-10 minutes with a little water.

That said, I run a small pump out of my display in to the 'fuge (it's not connected to the sump in any way), then it overflows back out in to the display so I don't chop pods up in the return from the sump.

 

[starionesir]

I heard the dremel was the safest way of doing it. I have a manifold setup on my return pump so was going to feed the fuge with that so I can get a slow flow and then drain back into the sump but draining into the display might not be a bad idea either as its less stressful then getting sent up the return pump.

E46Twist sump is setup with one large chamber which is what holds my heaters and protein skimmer and then three baffles setup as a bubble trap then the return pump.

 

[E46Twist]

Ah well no separate chambers is a problem, Petco is do $1/ gallon go pick up a 10.

 

[whosurcaddie]

You can make a section in your existing sump.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Baffles/bafflesart.htm

 

[starionesir]

I have a rather large skimmer and would be easier for cleaning/maintenance if the fuge was easier to get to.

 

[firemountain]

Ah well no separate chambers is a problem, Petco is do $1/ gallon go pick up a 10.

Just an FYI...I bought 2 ten gallons tanks from them yesterday. One cracked while I was cleaning it up and washing it down. BE CAREFUL..THE CONSTRUCTION STICKS ON THEM.