New Sump Build Critic

[Snartl]

I have a limited amount of room to work with and am trying to encorporate a refugium with this design. One of my concerns are about the size of the refugium in regards to the depth of sand, for a DSB, or rock if I go with rubble. I do have room to go a little higher if I need more depth.

Another thing is how to feed this refugium, whether I should pump from the return area back to the refugium, or allow tank water to come in directly from the tank overflows through a valve partially open, allowing the rest of the water to go to the sock. Some have cautioned me about too much detritus getting into the refugium if my and causing too much mud.

Any and all thoughts appreciated!

Ken

 

[Playa-1]

I would feed the refugium from the return line and drain the Dt to the skimmer section. Consider elevating the skimmer on a stand and raising the bubble trap and water level in the return section. I'm not sure that I would bother with such a small DSB in that space. A remote sump, DSB and/or fuge might be worth considering.

 

[Snartl]

Thanks for the reply, so would you suggest just filling the refugium area with rock or with some rock and some algae?

 

[Snartl]

I know the refugium is small and that is my worry, is it big enough to do any good?

 

[solitude127]

I know the refugium is small and that is my worry, is it big enough to do any good?

I depends on what you want your fuge to do. On my 150, I have about a 15g fuge and it's main purpose is to grow pods. I also have some macro algae in there to help with nutrient export. Does it do a good job? I don't know but I do know I have to trim my chaeto every 2 -3 weeks.

 

[Snartl]

I am not sure what you mean by 'it depends on what you want it to do'. I guess I don't know what all you can do with a refugium. But what you are doing is exactly what I had in mind, pod production and nutrient control.