Sump setup for FOWLR

[CodeBlueMedic]

Howdy all,

I'm setting up a 125 gallon FOWLR right now and I'm wondering what the best way to setup the sump would be. It's a 30 gallon tank, divided for a skimmer section, small refugium (6 gallon) and then return section.

I plan on a puffer fish and maybe a couple other compatible friends for him. I'd kinda like to minimize the amount of LR inside the tank itself, simply so there is more swimming area. Thoughts on the best thing to do with the refugium component?

 

[whosurcaddie]

A 30 gallon tank by itself wouldn't hold enough rock for the bioload of a 125. Let alone one with a skimmer section and return section. Your better off putting the rock in the display.

Edit: I would leave the fuge section bare and add a ball of chaeto. with an appropriate grow light.

 

[thegrun]

Are you asking what order do you place the sections or what do you put in the refugium section? I prefer drain/skimmer->refugium->return pump, but others go
drain/skimmer->return pump<-refugium/drain (branch off main drain line).
If you are asking what to place in the refugium I would use live rock with chaeto algae on top of the rock (the top 4").

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

Yeah, I'm basically asking what would be best for the refugium portion...So, no substrate, just a piece of LR and chaeto?

 

[thegrun]

With a small refugium I would skip the sand bed, just rock and macro algae.

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

Okay thanks! This is my first time using sump...does it matter where I place the heater?

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

Would 2 150Ws be enough for a 125?

 

[thegrun]

You can place the heaters wherever you have room, but I usually place them in the skimmer section. I am setting up a new 120 now and was planning on using two 300 watt heaters. You could probably get by with two 250 watt heaters, but I don't think two 150 watt heaters would be enough unless you keep your house at 75+ 24/7

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

You can place the heaters wherever you have room, but I usually place them in the skimmer section. I am setting up a new 120 now and was planning on using two 300 watt heaters. You could probably get by with two 250 watt heaters, but I don't think two 150 watt heaters would be enough unless you keep your house at 75+ 24/7

Yeah, I keep my house at 70, so I suppose I better go for the 300w's