IOS with Refugium

teggs · 06/22/2006, 07:56 PM

I want to set up a SW tank, but due to height restrictions imposed by my project manager I won't be able to have a sump. My plan is to have an IOS (Internal Overflow System) along the entire back section of the tank that will contain all the equipment and a refugium.

The tank will be 90x50x60cm (LxWxH) and the IOS compartment will be about 10cm wide (so 90x10x60). There will be an overflow cut into the left side of the IOS compartment's glass and water will be pumped back into the tank from the right side. There will be a light above the refugium for the macro algae and the whole IOS compartment will be hidden from view (i.e. black).

I'm not sure if this will work ... so if you don't mind I'm gonna ask some questions:

(1) Will it work?
(2) How thick should the glass be for the tank and IOS front?
(3) What should the distance be between the baffles in the IOS?
(4) Is there anything else that I've forgotten in my plan?

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

Here's a pic ... what do you think of my MS Paint skills?

bertoni · 06/22/2006, 09:28 PM

It should work if the glass can be attached strongly enough. Not being a DIY person, I can't help you there, although the DIY forum might be useful. I'd make the glass the same strength as the side walls of the tank. The width of the baffles depends on the flow rate, but an inch or so is probably fine.

I'd skip the DSB in the refugium area. I think it's too small to have much of an effect.

teggs · 06/22/2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
It should work if the glass can be attached strongly enough. Not being a DIY person, I can't help you there, although the DIY forum might be useful. I'd make the glass the same strength as the side walls of the tank. The width of the baffles depends on the flow rate, but an inch or so is probably fine.

I'd skip the DSB in the refugium area. I think it's too small to have much of an effect.

Thanks for the reply! I didn't know I'd get one of the RC masters first up..

I wouldn't DIY it as I have already had tanks made by a guy that has a very good reputation and wouldn't screw it up.

The problem with the DSB is the width of the IOS compartment, right? (it couldn't be the DSB's depth cos that would be at least 8")

What if I increased the width of the IOS compartment to 15/20cm? Would that make it viable... ?

Thanks again!

bertoni · 06/23/2006, 02:03 AM

If you want a live DSB, you really need a footprint that's the size of the tank being filtered. If you're trying for one of Anthony Calfo's "DSB in a bucket" setup, you'll have to ask someone who's used one before.

06/22/2006, 07:56 PM	#1
teggs Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Taipei Posts: 13	IOS with Refugium I want to set up a SW tank, but due to height restrictions imposed by my project manager I won't be able to have a sump. My plan is to have an IOS (Internal Overflow System) along the entire back section of the tank that will contain all the equipment and a refugium. The tank will be 90x50x60cm (LxWxH) and the IOS compartment will be about 10cm wide (so 90x10x60). There will be an overflow cut into the left side of the IOS compartment's glass and water will be pumped back into the tank from the right side. There will be a light above the refugium for the macro algae and the whole IOS compartment will be hidden from view (i.e. black). I'm not sure if this will work ... so if you don't mind I'm gonna ask some questions: (1) Will it work? (2) How thick should the glass be for the tank and IOS front? (3) What should the distance be between the baffles in the IOS? (4) Is there anything else that I've forgotten in my plan? Thanks in advance for any help!!! Here's a pic ... what do you think of my MS Paint skills?

06/22/2006, 09:28 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	It should work if the glass can be attached strongly enough. Not being a DIY person, I can't help you there, although the DIY forum might be useful. I'd make the glass the same strength as the side walls of the tank. The width of the baffles depends on the flow rate, but an inch or so is probably fine. I'd skip the DSB in the refugium area. I think it's too small to have much of an effect. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

06/23/2006, 02:03 AM	#4
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	If you want a live DSB, you really need a footprint that's the size of the tank being filtered. If you're trying for one of Anthony Calfo's "DSB in a bucket" setup, you'll have to ask someone who's used one before. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni