Refugium flowrate

[aqualab]

What is a recommended flowrate through a refugium? Less is better - but is there a standard/suggested flow? I am looking at buying a submersible pump to pump from my sump into the refuge than gravity back into the sumps return cavity prior to the external return pump. I was thinking about the Eheim pumps - rated at 80gph - too much?

 

[pjf]

Eheim 1046 or 1048

Eheim 1046 or 1048

I am using an Eheim 1046 (79 gph, 5-watt) for my carbon/ferric-oxide reactor and it is adequate for chemical media filtration. I'm not sure how much flow is needed for refugium filtration but perhaps this chart may help:

If your refugium houses floating chaetomorpha, you may want to direct the flow such that it causes the macroalgae to rotate or spin. Perhaps the faster Eheim 1048 (159 gph, 10-watt) may be needed for that application but I try to stay well under 10x volume per hour.

The plastic mounting plate on the bottom of the Eheim pump should be adequate for support. If you need suction cups (#7271100) and attachment lugs (#7478250), they can be ordered from www.eheimparts.com

 

[pjf]

Just to give you an opposing point of view, I looked at HOB refugiums sold at http://amekaaquatics.com/search.html?productcategory_id=13. Some of the HOB refugiums are packaged with pumps that generate 20x to 40x the volume per hour.

My instincts are like yours. Go with a slower flow and a better pump.

 

[aqualab]

Thanks pjf - so 10 x tank total or 10 x fuge capacity? Probably going to go with the new Eheim mini pumps - small footprint and flow.

 

[mg426]

I run about 6 times My refugium volume then gravity drain back to the sump. My chaeto grows like mad.

 

[sneeyatch]

flow rate should be fairly substancial