I have a Fuge!+ new tank additions

[supertech99]

So, after I chatted with wayne a bit about a fuge I decided to re-attempt to put one on my system. I had built one for my tank but could not figure out how to put it in my super short stand. as always I am very concerned about the clean look on the outside of the tank. Finally its up and tested and flowing nicely! now i just need a little handful of cheato and frags should be smiling! I also finally took the plundge and removed the bioballs out of my sump and replaced them with rocks I had sucking up bacteria in the return section. suggestions and comments always welcome!

fuge construction

fuge placement

overflow into sump

rocks in sump

new tank additions:
coral beauty

my lattest addition halloweeniss shrimpus babyiuen

 

[DMBillies]

Very cute costume!

Now on to the fuge build. Looks pretty good and it looks like a cheap and fairly easy addition.

How did you connect your "bulkhead" through the plastic. I only ask because that kind of plastic is notorious for not allowing things to stick to it. In the past I've just slapped on liberal amount of silicone on the threads of the PVC and the rims touching the plastic. I've also used weld-on the same way. That said, neither of those materials usually actually work like they are supposed to on that kind of plastic. I've never had leaks but I've also never put them in an area where a leak would be really problematic.

Also, in your third picture it looks like the water is free falling out of the fuge pipe into the sump. I'd suggest putting a down spout on that plumbing and running the pipe under the sump water level. I can see in your picture that there is already a lot of water splashed on the side of the sump. Multiply that by a couple of weeks and you'll have a giant salt creep monster under your tank. Salt spray ruins wood, presents fire hazards when combined with electricity, and makes it a real mess to work under the tank.

Overall though, it looks like you got yourself a winner. Can't hurt to have that little extra area to help feed your tank and draw some nutrients out of the water (although until fuges get really big in comparison to the tank volume, they are mostly doing the former, not the ladder)

 

[supertech99]

I made that bulkhead with a female-male h/c pvc. I cut the hole so small that the fittings had to be threaded into the hole to help prevent leakage. I used aquarium silicone all over the the thing. I think I did all I could to keep leaks at bay. Good call on the splashing, it didn't even occour to me! I know that all the wires look like they are benieth the fuge but they have since been moved and are behind the tank and stand. I was under the assumption that the chaeto would pull nitrates and phosphates out of the water. You indicated that it would not because of the overall volume of the fuge, could you explain that to me in more detail?

 

[poolkeeper1]

I Have some Chaeto if you want some, You will have to pick It up in SH And you can buy some coral OK. But if you want some just let me know I have plenty.

 

[supertech99]

thanks poolkeeper, I will probably be getting the chaeto clippings of one of our reefers here in the boro unless you have time tomorrow evening I can swing by on my way home from work, I do look forward to perusing your selection of corals at the frag swap, In fact I plan on saving up for it and going gangbusters on some frags and raffle tickets! So I have a question for you and everyone else for that matter. How efficient is Chaeto at absorbing nutrents from the water? Brian indicated that I may not have enough volume in my fuge for good nutrient export. should I scrap this design and just go bigger? Its on a 55gal with 3 fish

 

[NeveSSL]

I may be wrong, but I think your rock may be more effective if completely submerged.

Brandon

 

[fallinapart]

remind me when you pick up your reeftopia order from me and I'll give you some cheato.

Norman

 

[sandalscout]

I think that with a small amount of cheato, it'll help marginally in nutrient export, but it is a refuge, and providing a spot for the growth of potential food will be a big asset of it. That being said, I have a small amount of cheato on my newer 55 to help export some nutrients, and I believe it's helping some.

and Brandon's right, I'd ditch those bioballs to lower your rock down some. I think as long as water is trickling over the rocks it'll be helpful, but definitely want them wet.

 

[poolkeeper1]

I agree bigger would be better, but some is better than none, IMO. If you want to stop by and pick some up thats OK, shoot me a PM if you do. And if you want to look and put some stuff on hold I can do that for you. Just let me know.

Thanks