Need DIY refugium help please

[Tremolo]

I am planning on making a 10 gal refugium for my 29 gallon FOWLR Tank and just thought something up and was wondering if you guys could tell me if you think it would work out and how I might do it.
So here we go...

I would like to setup my RenoraC skimmer in the sump section however instead of having water overflow into the fuge I want all water to flow into the fuge from the return side of my skimmer. What I need help understanding is how big of a return pump would I need so that the sump portion does not run dry?

I am not sure what the height for the return line is right now so I will try and get that info tomorrow...Im sure someone has to know what kind of head pressure I need.

I would also like to know what the recommended sizes are for the different sections of the system? Im not sure how to space and how tall the dividers need to be...

Anyone try anything like this? Would it be better for the system to have all water go thru the skimmer before getting into the fuge? do you think it would be very helpful to the water quality of the tank?

Thanks for all the help Im as noob as they get.


Vince

 

[eckrynock]

Pods and algae will do better with raw tank water. Skimmed water is pretty nutrientless and would kind of take away from the benefits of a fuge. If you have a choice to do it either way, give the fuge raw tank water, only give it skimmed water if this is not an option.

 

[Tremolo]

well i want to run my protien skimmer down there so it is hidden...So what you are saying is to just have the skimmer suck and return into the sump then have it overflow into the fuge

 

[eckrynock]

correct.

 

[Tremolo]

Is it ok to have the just the two dividers or is do i have to have one up one down one up from the sump to the fuge like i see in the pictures that are posted

 

[eckrynock]

Are the sump and the fuge both in the 10gal tank? Are you planning skimmer-->fuge-->return? If you can, go skimmer-->return<--fuge. 2 baffles will be enough for that size tank.

 

[Tremolo]

Well I am thinking about a 10 gallon tank to make it out of but I may go larger I have to measure the inside of the stand tonight and see what I can do...I want to leave room for a 2 gal auto top off system. What part would be the best to have the top off water go into and where should the heater go?

Thanks your being a great help

 

[eckrynock]

It really doesn't matter where the heater goes, mine is in my fuge, so put it wherever you have space. Are you using a float switch for your top off? If so, it will need to be in the same compartment as your return pump since this will be the only place the water level will actually drop.

 

[Tremolo]

ok I have a basic design for the fuge I want to setup will this work? It is going to be made out of a 10 gal tank. My skimmer is a RemoraC so it is a HOB. Also what return pump should I use I am guessing a 300gph overflow and its about 40 from the bottom of the fuge to the top of the display tank.

Thanks for all the help.

Vince

 

[Tremolo]

wow that pic looks like crap here is what it is....

small box on left that over hangs is the skimmer
larger box on left is the sump
small box on the right is the return


I need to know what pump so i can get dimensions for the size of the return portion. i am thinking i need 6X4" for the sump so there is room for the hose from the overflow and my skimmer. I will put the heater in the fuge and top off float in the return.

Thanks Vince

 

[bergzy]

i just use a bucket for a fuge.

what else can you ask for in a fuge?

circular design to swirl and circulate water, white to maximize internal light reflection thus efficient and effective photon use, cheap ($5 home depot), made of hdpe, easily modified, strong, creates a totally separate compartment and easily supports a fuge light.

my bucket fuges takes about...oh, 5 minutes to make...

note in the picture that there is no light shining through the bucket...that's because it is filled with chaeto that grew in 2 weeks. it is fed via a mj 1200 but if i were to construct it differently...i would put the bucket right underneath the overflow pipe and break up the violent turbulence with another larger diameter loose fitting pvc pipe to overflow into the bucket.

 

[eckrynock]

I would look at the Eheim 1250 or the Mag 3 but you'll save 7 watts by going with the Eheim.