Hang on Fuge for a 55 gal.

[Capt. Nemo]

Hi,

I'm looking for a hangon refugium for my 55 gal. tank. I would have to hang this on the side of my
tank since the backside of the tank is too close to a wall. AquaFuge External hang-on refugium with powerhead 13"L x 4.5"W x 12"TCode:CPR-AFSM. The only problem is that this refugium is 13" L while the side it would be hanging on is just
under 13"(12.75"). Would this work? What would you recommend? Thanks!

Gary

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Actually, I think I would be able to hang this on the back since I have about 5" from back of tank to wall. The only thing is I already have an overflow box and sump so I dont know how the plumbing would work and perhaps I could just use my sump for a fuge with the primary intent of growing chaeto to reduce my nitrates.

 

[Jeremy B.]

You should be fine hanging this on the back as long as you had the 11" or so to spare for the brackets. The same goes for the side, it should just fit right in there if you prefer to go this route. If you need me to do some exact measurements just let me know!

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Hi Jeremy,

Thank you for offering your assistance! Your customer service is first rate! I'm still debating if I'm going to purchase the hang on fuge or if I will do a DIY fuge. I think I should be good as far as fitting it on the back of the tank. I have a 55 gal. AGA tank with a built-in Megaflow overflow box. My tank's dimensions are 48"L x 12.5"Wx 20"H. The concern I had was about the overflow box getting in the way of the fuge. I have about 18.5" from the overflow box to the right corner of the tank. How many gallons would the 12"L and 18"L be? Would I be able to have a glass top for my tank with the fuge? Would it also be difficult to have access and to reach in the fuge if its sitting on the bank of the tank? Could the fuge also be a overflow risk? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm just trying to weigh all the pros and cons. I'd like to hear what you have to say. I am also interested in your chaeto and some more Marshall Island LR. I have 50 pds of it in my tank that I bought from you. I have some questions regarding both the chaeto and LR, but lets take care of the fuge first. : ) Thanks for your assistance and patience with the newbie.

Gary

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Gary,

I will get it measured for you on Monday and see how everything will match up.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Thanks Jeremy,

Sorry to bug you on a Sunday. I have a question regarding the lighting of this fuge. How long would I have to run this light and do I run both the tank lighting and the fuge lighting at the same time? Thanks!

Gary

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Hi Jeremy,

Just a quick follow up to my question regarding lighting. I've heard some say that you should run your lighting for the tank during the day and to run the lighting for the fuge during night time hours. Then I've heard another school of thought that you should run the lighting for both at the same time and to avoid running lighting overnight for the fuge which might have something to do with carbon dioxide levels PH? Sorry for so many questions. : ) Let me know what the measurements are for both the medium and large AquaFuge hangons. I have about 4.75" from the back of the tank to the wall. Thanks so much for your help!

Gary

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Gary,

The inside measurement of the medium refugium is 13". So that one would definitely fit for you. The next size up measures 19", so I think that one would be pretty tight for you, and possibly not even fit at all.

As far as the lighting schedule goes I would recommend lighting it 24/7. I have always lit all my fuges with this schedule, as well as many people that I know with really good success.

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Hey Jeremy,

I think I will go with the largest Aquafuge hangon. Its 24" Long which wont be a problem since my tank is 48"L. What is the exact width of the fuge? I have 4.75" from back of tank to wall. I dont have a canopy at this time but will be getting one in the near future and just want to be sure the fuge will fit with a canopy. I've also heard that the RIO pumps used in this fuge are not the best. Could I switch this out with a Maxijet or some other quality pump with a comprable water flow as the RIO. Thanks!

Gary

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Hey Jeremy,

I think I will go with the largest Aquafuge hangon. Its 24" Long which wont be a problem since my tank is 48"L. What is the exact width of the fuge? I have 4.75" from back of tank to wall. I dont have a canopy at this time but will be getting one in the near future and just want to be sure the fuge will fit with a canopy. I've also heard that the RIO pumps used in this fuge are not the best. Could I switch this out with a Maxijet or some other quality pump with a comprable water flow as the RIO. Thanks!

Gary

 

[Jeremy B.]

That unit is right at 4.5" in depth. It would be a tight for you for sure.

The Rio pumps are really not as bad as what they used to be. However if it were mine I would still change it over to a Maxi-jet. The Rio pump already comes with it, so you wouldn't be able to swap to save the cash, however you could just put a Maxi-jet on it as soon as you get it.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Jeremy, you have a PM.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Right back at you!