canister filter repurposed as refugium?

[ScienceAchieved]

I have a 2 gallon volume canister filter with a 9 watt g23 2 pin base uv sterilizer bulb. I had it on a freshwater tank and thought it would be useful on my 29 saltwater tank im currently cycling. As I read more, I find that I probly dont need it witb my skimmer and live rock. I can run carbon or othef media in a chamber that attaches to my powerhead if need be. I think I could easily convert it into a refugium if I could get a submersible bulb that fits. I was wondering if anyone has tried this, or has any ideas, mainly about a submersible bulb.

*edit- I unhooked it and opened it up, and the bulb case is part of the pump unit, so I can fit any bulb with that base in there

 

[wooden_reefer]

I think a CF is best used for QT of fish, if you plan to have them.

For QT, the flow rate thru a 9W UV should be low, about 80-120 gph. If there is no bypass, restrict the flow to about 120 gph, which is often enough during QT of fish if the setup on circulation, aeration is right.

 

[ScienceAchieved]

Well, im not sure whether ill need a qt tank, im going to start off keeping a mantis shrimp species tank, and eventually, im sure, corals as I gain more knowledge and experience. My idea was to try to grow macroalgae in the filter, which would be possible because of the light fixture. Im not sure how I would have to modify the filter, if it would be possible at all. Its rated at 380 gph, but with the media , its running around 150 currently. i was thinking that since I already had it, it might be a simple mod, as opposed to getting new equipment

 

[wooden_reefer]

Well, im not sure whether ill need a qt tank, im going to start off keeping a mantis shrimp species tank, and eventually, im sure, corals as I gain more knowledge and experience. My idea was to try to grow macroalgae in the filter, which would be possible because of the light fixture. Im not sure how I would have to modify the filter, if it would be possible at all. Its rated at 380 gph, but with the media , its running around 150 currently. i was thinking that since I already had it, it might be a simple mod, as opposed to getting new equipment

If you are not using UV, you do not need to restrict the flow of the CF.

You can use a bypass to slow-feed into your refugium from your return pump.
This will save on power 7/24 every day.