Had an idea, need input..

[WhiteysTA]

I had an idea for my tank, just wanted to run it by some of you. I want a fuge, but cant drill my tank and cant afford a good sump. So my plan is to section off like 9 or 10 inches of the side of my 75gal and make a fuge in-tank. Was going to make the divider out of 1/8" black acrylic and put a few baffles in it. I'd just use a maxijet as the return pump and upgrade later. Is this worth doing or a waist of time(just save up for a better tank and sump)? Thanks!

 

[VSpeck]

I think it would be worth a try. If you dont like it take it out.

also why not get a hob fuge? I liked mine on my 75. I had good results of 0 nitrates and lots of critters

 

[WhiteysTA]

My only reason is that I really want to be able to see whats going on inside the fuge. The way my tank is stuffed in the corner, only one end is easly viewable, and I have a HOB skimmer and filter on the back now. I've been thinking about getting a HOB fuge for awhile, just never have.

 

[!wrass!]

I got back into the hobby with a setup like that on a 20L. My HOB skimmer runs in it. I used a MJ 600 for a return. It houses cheato and live rock also. An added benefit it surface skimming. Just be sure to sand the edges of acrylic where you plan to silicone it to the tank (I assume you have a glass tank). This gives the silicone something to bond to.

 

[Nanook]

Have you thought about getting a decent overflow box and using another small tank for a sump/fuge below it? You can get a Lifereef or similar overflow and they are very dependable and will let you hide equipment, house a fuge, etc.

I don't think cutting that much real estate from a 75 gallon would look good.

 

[Nanook]

The eco-system fuge that Andy's Animals had was pretty cool...had miracle mud, macros, critters, etc.

 

[thatguy]

Spiffyguy has that on a 55.

Here is his site with details

 

[dela]

I used to have a set up like that. It was not really worth the trouble. Could you put a small tank above the tank? Then pump water into the fuge (above) and let it drain? Then you would not have to drill the main tank.

 

[latazyo]

dela's solution is best for you (or a HOB fuge)

to do your idea you would have to drain the tank and glue that arcylic in there and leave it for a day to cure, etc etc etc...huge PITA

 

[Schplitter]

You will have to go with at least 1/4" or even better 3/8 acrylic unless you plan on having about 5 or 6 different sections...

 

[frenchie]

http://stores.ebay.com/usa-refugium

i got the 30"L x 4"w x 12"H it use to be only 60 bucks back when i got but it comes in pieces with rubberbands to hold together and also comes with a tube of acrylic cement and plumbing.

not hard to put together but alot cheaper than new ones from online or lfs.