Show Refugium Design

[DSophia]

I'm an architect that recently warmed up to the idea of designing and building aquariums. Here are a few pictures of my latest project from design and prototype to completion. It's an 8gal refugium that gravity feeds back to a 34gal cube DT. Let me know what you think!

 

[DSophia]

I designed and built this myself because I couldn't find anything on the market even close to what I was looking for. Although I'm very happy with how it turned out and the macro seem to agree.

The inlet is split to both side chambers and then angled down to create even flow and mixture. Then pours evenly over the inner panels and falls toward the back corners about half an inch which creates just the right amount of rolling current for what I wanted to grow. This also evenly circulates the water to the bottom and back up towards the drain. The drain is a 5" slit in the center back of the tank that drains to a box and 3/4" tubing that dumps back into the DT. I designed the drain last, I wanted it to be silent and efficiently skim the surface water. It was kind of a gamble but works beautifully.

 

[mrssaltwater]

Very cool! My latest venture is a show refugium...still looking at designs

 

[formsix]

I love this!! Your cucumber seems thrilled with it too. Very clever design, and looks great as well!

 

[DSophia]

Thanks guys!

 

[pledosophy]

How hard is it to clean the slanted inner panels?

 

[SFish]

I wish I had your skill

 

[DSophia]

I just use a paint stick and soft sponge to clean the sides. It actually does a much better job than anything I tried buying. Over all the design has proven to be flawless, the angles must keep the light low in the hard to reach areas. I'm still waiting for it to need a cleaning... It's also silent, I have to check the DT from time to time to make sure it's still running.

 

[DSophia]

I'm thinking of making a few extras to put on the market here in Houston. Mainly just to offset the costs of our hobby. So if you guys see anything you would do differently, let me know.

 

[killinit123]

so is this located above the DT? and it gravity feeds?

 

[xaflatoonx]

DSophia - I am in Houston - and i would buy this

Looks AMAZING!

 

[DSophia]

Yes, its above my desk in the next room. I have the hoses going through the wall between them.

 

[DSophia]

@xaflatoonx
Then let me know when you're ready... A waiting list is starting to form, lol