Canister running to Refugium?

elkinsda · 10/10/2006, 10:09 AM

Hi All,

I have a question and need some opinions.

I lack space for an overflow box on my tank and was wondering if you see any problems with this setup if i was to run my canister filter with carbon/phos only media from main display to a newly setup 5 gallon refugium, and a aquaclear 50 ph feeding back to the main display?

Fluval 303 canister - i believe 222 gph
Aquaclear ph - 270 gph

What size tubing would i need for this to run properly?

i've got 1/2 inch i.d tube and 5/8 i.d tube on the canister.

Thanks for the help

schiejr · 10/10/2006, 11:06 AM

The best set up would be to have an overflow and the return pump-too bad there is not enough room.

Where is the refugium located? The canister does best with level in/out hoses. If it was at the same level next to the display you could use a U-tube to connect.

The other problem with two pumps is balancing in/out which an overflow does automatically. Would have to use a level switch of some sort. Lot of flood potential with this scenario unless you have it just right.

How about moving the tank to make room for the overflow? Best in the long run IMO.

elkinsda · 10/10/2006, 11:43 AM

both the canister and the refugium are under the stand.
the ph would pump water back up to the display roughly about 4ft.

10/10/2006, 10:09 AM	#1
elkinsda Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 298	Canister running to Refugium? Hi All, I have a question and need some opinions. I lack space for an overflow box on my tank and was wondering if you see any problems with this setup if i was to run my canister filter with carbon/phos only media from main display to a newly setup 5 gallon refugium, and a aquaclear 50 ph feeding back to the main display? Fluval 303 canister - i believe 222 gph Aquaclear ph - 270 gph What size tubing would i need for this to run properly? i've got 1/2 inch i.d tube and 5/8 i.d tube on the canister. Thanks for the help

10/10/2006, 11:06 AM	#2
schiejr Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 121	The best set up would be to have an overflow and the return pump-too bad there is not enough room. Where is the refugium located? The canister does best with level in/out hoses. If it was at the same level next to the display you could use a U-tube to connect. The other problem with two pumps is balancing in/out which an overflow does automatically. Would have to use a level switch of some sort. Lot of flood potential with this scenario unless you have it just right. How about moving the tank to make room for the overflow? Best in the long run IMO.

10/10/2006, 11:43 AM	#3
elkinsda Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 298	both the canister and the refugium are under the stand. the ph would pump water back up to the display roughly about 4ft.