HOB Refugium for 20 Gallon Reef

$eaba$$ · 12/25/2008, 02:42 PM

Hey guys,

I have decided to most likely purchase a HOB refugium for my 20 gallon tall reef tank. This way, I can put my chaeto in it and maybe some live rock rubble in it. What kind would you recommend, and a link to a good place to buy one would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

gawf4fun · 12/25/2008, 03:43 PM

I've had a small CPR on my 11 gallon nano for about 2 years now and it's done very well for keeping algae under control. It fits well and has functioned perfectly, with the small exception of a plastic tightening screw shearing off. I re-glued it and it holds well, but because I have a small power filter hanging off the back, I have some additional supports underneath. These will be replaced with acrylic when I get off me butt and make them.

Here's a pic of the back of my system:

$eaba$$ · 12/25/2008, 04:11 PM

thanks a lot for the info gawf4fun! A few more questions. Everything is included, such as tubing and pump and everything needed, except for lights and light legs correct? Do you know of any good places from where to get it really? Oh, and for my 20 gallon, should I get a small or medium? Can this unit also replace my hob filter?

Thanks!!!

$eaba$$ · 12/25/2008, 05:04 PM

oh and I just started thinking will the small cpr refugium work on a normal aga tank, with the normal black rim on the back? Also, will it weight very much, as it is 2.5gallons, and pull down on the back of the aquarium, like would it need to be supported, or is that not necessary (would be much easier)?

Thanks!

FranktheTankTx · 12/25/2008, 07:49 PM

I have a CPR AquaFuge2 on my 54g. It works perfectly - allowing for a sand bed, macro algae ( I use Chaeto), and some rubble rock if you wanted. The aquarium facing side is black acrylic so it does not allow light transfer between the tanks.

Once you fill it up - it has some weight. I am possibly putting one on my 15g tank too. You could build some pvc supports under it if you were worried. Cost would be very minimal.

My nitrates are 0 with the use of a great skimmer and the refugium.

FranktheTankTx · 12/25/2008, 07:51 PM

P.S. Aquacave has a decent price on them. Marine Depot is too expensive.

phish guy · 12/25/2008, 08:44 PM

you could also modify a aquaclear 110 power filter. would cost alot less.

$eaba$$ · 12/25/2008, 10:03 PM

thanks a lot Frank for the info! any1 else? oh just one more thing; should this eliminate my need for my hob aquaclear filter, or should I still keep that running with carbon and foam changed weekly? oh and this can be used on a tank with the normal black rim right?

Thanks!!!

FranktheTankTx · 12/25/2008, 10:43 PM

You could run a bag of carbon in the refugium if you didn't want to run the hob filter.

$eaba$$ · 12/25/2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FranktheTankTx
You could run a bag of carbon in the refugium if you didn't want to run the hob filter.

alright, I just wanted to make sure that was fine, thanks! Finally, what should I do then about mechanical filtration, should I still keep the hob for that, or is that unnecessary? (i don't have a skimmer)?

Thanks!

FranktheTankTx · 12/25/2008, 11:39 PM

Honestly, since it's just a 20g - you can probably siphon up some detritus during water changes. You do plan to do water changes? You don't have to run a sponge or filter floss.

I run a filter sock on my drain in my 54g... but I am in the process of setting up a 15g for a small Damsel Reef tank that may be sumpless.

Your tank would have a "cleaner" look in the back with out the HOB filter. And the refugium will benefit your tank much more than a power filter will. Just siphon up around the live rock and sand during water changes and you'll be fine.

$eaba$$ · 12/26/2008, 12:21 AM

thanks! just a few more things, is a small or medium better? And, what would you suggest I put in the refugium? I already have a bunch of chaeto that will be going in, but should I add anything else?

phish guy · 12/26/2008, 12:25 AM

a pile of rock rubble or "pod pile".

in something so small i wouldnt even worry about sand.

$eaba$$ · 12/26/2008, 12:40 AM

alright, so chaeto and rubble it will be, in addition to my heater. it's good to keep it on 24/7 right, its not too nnoisy is it? small or medium best?

BuddhaKiss · 12/26/2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by phish guy
you could also modify a aquaclear 110 power filter. would cost alot less.

I've actually done this before I finally decided to add a sump/fuge

FranktheTankTx · 12/26/2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by $eaba$$
alright, so chaeto and rubble it will be, in addition to my heater. it's good to keep it on 24/7 right, its not too nnoisy is it? small or medium best?

Whatever fits your tank will work - the bigger the better IMO. Chaeto doesn't require 24/7. I only light my chaeto 10 hours per day.

12/25/2008, 02:42 PM	#1
$eaba$$ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 254	HOB Refugium for 20 Gallon Reef Hey guys, I have decided to most likely purchase a HOB refugium for my 20 gallon tall reef tank. This way, I can put my chaeto in it and maybe some live rock rubble in it. What kind would you recommend, and a link to a good place to buy one would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

12/25/2008, 03:43 PM	#2
gawf4fun Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR Posts: 342	I've had a small CPR on my 11 gallon nano for about 2 years now and it's done very well for keeping algae under control. It fits well and has functioned perfectly, with the small exception of a plastic tightening screw shearing off. I re-glued it and it holds well, but because I have a small power filter hanging off the back, I have some additional supports underneath. These will be replaced with acrylic when I get off me butt and make them. Here's a pic of the back of my system: __________________ Beware the naked man who offers you his shirt... Reef Central Corner Club Current Tank Info: 38 gl Cadlights AIO lit by AI Sol Blue, 24 gl aquapod w/150 watt pendant at the office.

12/25/2008, 04:11 PM	#3
$eaba$$ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 254	thanks a lot for the info gawf4fun! A few more questions. Everything is included, such as tubing and pump and everything needed, except for lights and light legs correct? Do you know of any good places from where to get it really? Oh, and for my 20 gallon, should I get a small or medium? Can this unit also replace my hob filter? Thanks!!! __________________ 20 Gallon Reef: 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 2 Green Chromis, 1 Skunk Cleaner 1 H. Mag, 1 GBTA, Xenia, Mushrooms 4x24w T5HO, HOB 4gal fuge (chaeto) and Skimmer

12/25/2008, 05:04 PM	#4
$eaba$$ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 254	oh and I just started thinking will the small cpr refugium work on a normal aga tank, with the normal black rim on the back? Also, will it weight very much, as it is 2.5gallons, and pull down on the back of the aquarium, like would it need to be supported, or is that not necessary (would be much easier)? Thanks! __________________ 20 Gallon Reef: 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 2 Green Chromis, 1 Skunk Cleaner 1 H. Mag, 1 GBTA, Xenia, Mushrooms 4x24w T5HO, HOB 4gal fuge (chaeto) and Skimmer

12/25/2008, 07:49 PM	#5
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	I have a CPR AquaFuge2 on my 54g. It works perfectly - allowing for a sand bed, macro algae ( I use Chaeto), and some rubble rock if you wanted. The aquarium facing side is black acrylic so it does not allow light transfer between the tanks. Once you fill it up - it has some weight. I am possibly putting one on my 15g tank too. You could build some pvc supports under it if you were worried. Cost would be very minimal. My nitrates are 0 with the use of a great skimmer and the refugium. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

12/25/2008, 07:51 PM	#6
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	P.S. Aquacave has a decent price on them. Marine Depot is too expensive. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

12/25/2008, 08:44 PM	#7
phish guy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,003	you could also modify a aquaclear 110 power filter. would cost alot less. __________________ Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Reef, Reeftech LEDs ( on their way out for reefbreeder Photons), Reef Octoput NWB250, Custom made Sump/Refufium, Mp40wES, Koralia's. SPS, LPS, Zoas/Palys

12/25/2008, 10:03 PM	#8
$eaba$$ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 254	thanks a lot Frank for the info! any1 else? oh just one more thing; should this eliminate my need for my hob aquaclear filter, or should I still keep that running with carbon and foam changed weekly? oh and this can be used on a tank with the normal black rim right? Thanks!!! __________________ 20 Gallon Reef: 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 2 Green Chromis, 1 Skunk Cleaner 1 H. Mag, 1 GBTA, Xenia, Mushrooms 4x24w T5HO, HOB 4gal fuge (chaeto) and Skimmer Last edited by $eaba$$; 12/25/2008 at 10:37 PM.

12/25/2008, 10:43 PM	#9
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	You could run a bag of carbon in the refugium if you didn't want to run the hob filter. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

12/25/2008, 11:39 PM	#11
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	Honestly, since it's just a 20g - you can probably siphon up some detritus during water changes. You do plan to do water changes? You don't have to run a sponge or filter floss. I run a filter sock on my drain in my 54g... but I am in the process of setting up a 15g for a small Damsel Reef tank that may be sumpless. Your tank would have a "cleaner" look in the back with out the HOB filter. And the refugium will benefit your tank much more than a power filter will. Just siphon up around the live rock and sand during water changes and you'll be fine. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

12/26/2008, 12:21 AM	#12
$eaba$$ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 254	thanks! just a few more things, is a small or medium better? And, what would you suggest I put in the refugium? I already have a bunch of chaeto that will be going in, but should I add anything else? __________________ 20 Gallon Reef: 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 2 Green Chromis, 1 Skunk Cleaner 1 H. Mag, 1 GBTA, Xenia, Mushrooms 4x24w T5HO, HOB 4gal fuge (chaeto) and Skimmer

12/26/2008, 12:25 AM	#13
phish guy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,003	a pile of rock rubble or "pod pile". in something so small i wouldnt even worry about sand. __________________ Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Reef, Reeftech LEDs ( on their way out for reefbreeder Photons), Reef Octoput NWB250, Custom made Sump/Refufium, Mp40wES, Koralia's. SPS, LPS, Zoas/Palys

12/26/2008, 12:40 AM	#14
$eaba$$ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 254	alright, so chaeto and rubble it will be, in addition to my heater. it's good to keep it on 24/7 right, its not too nnoisy is it? small or medium best? __________________ 20 Gallon Reef: 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 2 Green Chromis, 1 Skunk Cleaner 1 H. Mag, 1 GBTA, Xenia, Mushrooms 4x24w T5HO, HOB 4gal fuge (chaeto) and Skimmer