Refugium Recommendations?

[tingleyl]

I'm looking at purchasing a refugium, anyone have any suggestions? (I know lots of people recommend build your own, but I'm not very mechanically inclined.)

Was looking at the ADHI 45, says it's rated for 225 gallons. Would that be sufficient for a 200 gallon display tank?

Thanks

 

[stealle]

Is this what you are talking about? http://www.aquariumcenter.biz/store/product/306642/ADHI-45-REFUGIUM/

That is not really a refugium (even though that's what they named it). It is a typical sump with three chambers: a skimmer chamber, a refugium, and a return section. I suppose it is sufficient for a 200 gallon tank.

Are you asking if the refugium is big enough for a 200 gallon tank? If so, I's say the refugium section of that sump is only about 12 gallons in size. I think that is a little small. I'd want a refugium that is at least 10% of the size of the display.

Also, if you plan on using a skimmer you will need to make sure the skimmer section is large enough to hold your skimmer.

 

[tingleyl]

Yeah, that is the one I'm looking at. I thought a fuge was simply a portion of the sump where you could grow pods...is that incorrect?

I was planning on using an internal skimmer, it's dimensions fit.

Is this what you are talking about? http://www.aquariumcenter.biz/store/product/306642/ADHI-45-REFUGIUM/

That is not really a refugium (even though that's what they named it). It is a typical sump with three chambers: a skimmer chamber, a refugium, and a return section. I suppose it is sufficient for a 200 gallon tank.

Are you asking if the refugium is big enough for a 200 gallon tank? If so, I's say the refugium section of that sump is only about 12 gallons in size. I think that is a little small. I'd want a refugium that is at least 10% of the size of the display.

Also, if you plan on using a skimmer you will need to make sure the skimmer section is large enough to hold your skimmer.

 

[Brandon1652]

Save yourself some $$$ and look for a used tank that will fit your stand, or refugium location. It doesn't need to be fancy, just a tank with macro(s) and a light. Do you currently have a sump? On my old nano, I used a large rubbermaid tub with smaller tubs inside it to act as compartments for refugium and mangrove growout. Ideas are endless and everyone will have something different to say. Look around and get the biggest you can fit.

 

[Brandon1652]

For info check out Melev's Reef.

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

On the left hand side you will find lots of different sump designs and info. The sump I have was custom built by Marc and it contains a fairly large refugium. IMO, the simpler the setup the better.

 

[tingleyl]

Save yourself some $$$ and look for a used tank that will fit your stand, or refugium location. It doesn't need to be fancy, just a tank with macro(s) and a light. Do you currently have a sump? On my old nano, I used a large rubbermaid tub with smaller tubs inside it to act as compartments for refugium and mangrove growout. Ideas are endless and everyone will have something different to say. Look around and get the biggest you can fit.

So then would I keep it completely seperate from my sump? How do I go about plumbing that all together?

The tank came with the 55 gallon marineland sump that I had planned on just selling or using as a QT tank. Should I instead be using that for the Sump and then adding an additional fuge on top of that?

And if I do them seperate, won't that increase my overall water volume and require a larger skimmer?

 

[Brandon1652]

It all depends on what the skimmer is rated for. For simplicity have the refugium in you sump, but if you have the space a separate refugium can be larger (and in my opinion the more water volume the better). Do whatever is in your means, but definitely check out Melev's Reef for info.

 

[tingleyl]

It all depends on what the skimmer is rated for. For simplicity have the refugium in you sump, but if you have the space a separate refugium can be larger (and in my opinion the more water volume the better). Do whatever is in your means, but definitely check out Melev's Reef for info.

Thanks for the link, that site has a lot of info!

 

[stealle]

Yeah, that is the one I'm looking at. I thought a fuge was simply a portion of the sump where you could grow pods...is that incorrect?

I was planning on using an internal skimmer, it's dimensions fit.

A fuge is a tank of "refuge" or a safe place from predators. So yes, it is a place for pods to flourish. As another benefit many people grow cheatomorpha algae to export nutrients from the system. I suggested have a refugium of at least 10% or more of the display volume because the larger the fuge the more room for pods and so forth.

A refugium (aka "fuge") is indeed a portion of the sump you have in question. But, a fuge does not have to be a portion of the sump. It can be plumbed external of the sump.

The possibilities are endless, but most people usually either have 1, 2, or 3 compartment sumps.

The sump you are talking about (and probably the most common) is a three compartment sump. (The refugium section shows some green algae in the picture)

Many people run a sump with only two compartments: a skimmer section and a return pump section. In this case a refugium plumbed external of the sump is an option.

Some people have one compartment sumps: a skimmer section only with the return pump external. Also, in this case a refugium plumbed external of the sump is an option.

 

[drparker]

You, really don't need to be mechanically inclined or use any tools to make your own sump/fuge.

Used or new tank , Plexiglas(acrylic) cut for you at hardware or home improvement store, tube of silicone glue.

 

[stealle]

You, really don't need to be mechanically inclined or use any tools to make your own sump/fuge.

Used or new tank , Plexiglas(acrylic) cut for you at hardware or home improvement store, tube of silicone glue.

Well, it always helps to have some instructions or see it done once. I found some good videos on youtube awhile back. You could search there....

 

[drparker]

Here's an idea that does not require using silicone, I'm going to try it for my next sump and fuge. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Baffles/bafflesart.htm

 

[evergreenreeftank]

I have that exact sump/fuge and love it. ADHI makes a great product. I went with the most simple route and this is definitely plug and play. I have my 45 on a 120 reeftank, with your 200 you may be better off with their ADHI 60. Also, look around, there are much better prices out there, I got mine on Ebay at a great price.

 

[tingleyl]

I have that exact sump/fuge and love it. ADHI makes a great product. I went with the most simple route and this is definitely plug and play. I have my 45 on a 120 reeftank, with your 200 you may be better off with their ADHI 60. Also, look around, there are much better prices out there, I got mine on Ebay at a great price.

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, the 60 would be better I think, but I don't think I can get it through the door in my stand!

 

[aoc230]

+1 love this site

For info check out Melev's Reef.

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

On the left hand side you will find lots of different sump designs and info. The sump I have was custom built by Marc and it contains a fairly large refugium. IMO, the simpler the setup the better.

 

[tingleyl]

My sump/fuge finally came in. After a lot of good input from everyone I ended up ordering a custom made one to my exact dimensions from Advance Acrylics.

Haven't water tested it yet, but seems solid as a tank. Great craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Below are some images of the final product as well as my final build spec sheet.

Next up ATB 1050a skimmer.

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[das75]

I picked up a used 20g for a fuge, drilled the side and put in a C-to-C overflow on the end. Sits a little higher and to the side of my sump and is fed by a tee in one of my drains. Including the bulkhead probably around 30 bucks into it.