Refugium Size

[funloven]

Getting close to having everything placed the way I want it and am now considering adding a refugium. What size is recommended? :rollface:

 

[chocolateblnt]

I don't really think there is a rule of thumb of how much refugium to main tank however the more refugium the better

 

[c_stowers]

The bigger the better, but I wouldn't even waste your time unless the fuge is going to be at least 10% the tank size. I have a 30 gallon fuge on a 92 gallon tank and wish it were bigger.

 

[bertoni]

For a 65g tank, a 20-30g refugium would be nice, IMO, but even a 10g could help.

 

[mg426]

Biggest you can fit.

 

[MarkD40]

I have my sump in my basement so size was not an issue. I found a 75 gallon RR tank for 30 bucks at a garage sale and made it my sump. I thought it was ridiculously large for a 110 display but let me tell you that extra water you have circulating is great. I have a DSB in the sump and about 150 pounds of LR on eggcrate about 2" above the DSB. Even so, I wish my sump was bigger!

 

[slb11106]

i have a 90 gal and a 25gal refug and it worked wonders, my nitrates would not go below 20 and now after 2 months or so they stay at zero...

 

[funloven]

Thanks for the info regarding size. I have a 125 gal tank so I think at least a 40 gal fuge would be good. I'm going to divert some flow from my return line going to the display tank as I get over 1000 gph from my pump so I think I can spare a bit. I would like the fuge to somehow sit higher than my sump so the flow can return to the sump via gravity.

Does anyone think the fuge has to be glass or acrylic? Could I use one of those Rubbermade containers? This would be great but I am wondering about the lighting and if it would be too hot for the Rubbermade.

All opinions appreciated! :rollface:

 

[bertoni]

People have used RubberMaid containers for sumps. I'd just be sure it was strong enough to hold up.

 

[funloven]

My sump is a 65 gal. Rubbermade and my holding containers for my RO/DI are 45 gal Rubbermade also - used some with a handle on it and wheels just in case i wanted to move it (who knows what for ).
First had the handle/wheel turned toward the wall and I figured that was pretty stupid 'cuz how would you manage to move it from that position without killing yourself. So I turned it around - well, don't buy any containers with wheels on them! - it tipped over and I had water all over the place.

Anyway, back to the refugium. Do you think the Rubbermade would stand up to the heat of the light fixture?

 

[bertoni]

Over time, the plastic might break down if the light was bright enough (MH), but I really don't know for sure. You could ask in the chemistry forum.

 

[funloven]

Thanks for the info, Jonathan. It is always greatly appreciated. :rollface: