Refugium size

scottwhitson · 12/15/2006, 06:29 PM

I have a 36" long tank that I am making into my sump for my 75 gallon display. I would like to know the minimum size for the refugium to be effective in pod growth and nutrient removal I will be using either Chaeto or Calurpa and some sand and rock rubble. I am loooking at the Euro-reef skimmer that has a footprint of 11.5" so that will leave approximately 24" left in the sump. Would like to know what you think would be an effective size as I would like to leave the return section as large as possible for less water top off's as I don't have an autotop off yet. If anyone has any suggestions for a simple and cheap autotop off that would be nice also. Sorry for the long post. All suggestions appreciated.

staticx · 12/15/2006, 08:47 PM

I would recomend the bigest fuge possible. Any fuge is better then no fuge.If you have 24 inches to split between return and fuge I would say probly 10 inches for return and 14 for fuge. If it was me I would even make the fuge larger.

EdKruzel · 12/15/2006, 08:50 PM

Utilizing a DSB that area wouldn't suffice, however it is enough for pods and macro growth to accomplish what you wish.

What works nice (if you have additional room) is to find a square 5gal bucket (cat litter container) and place a bulkhead near the top fitted with pvc for the return.
Use a small powerhead in the sump to feed it and the bulkhead will act by a gravity return.
Place 6'' (at least) of oolithic sized sand and then some rubble for the pods; add your favorite macro with a small light on top and you have your (very cheap) refugium.

12/15/2006, 06:29 PM	#1
scottwhitson Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 1,395	Refugium size I have a 36" long tank that I am making into my sump for my 75 gallon display. I would like to know the minimum size for the refugium to be effective in pod growth and nutrient removal I will be using either Chaeto or Calurpa and some sand and rock rubble. I am loooking at the Euro-reef skimmer that has a footprint of 11.5" so that will leave approximately 24" left in the sump. Would like to know what you think would be an effective size as I would like to leave the return section as large as possible for less water top off's as I don't have an autotop off yet. If anyone has any suggestions for a simple and cheap autotop off that would be nice also. Sorry for the long post. All suggestions appreciated.

12/15/2006, 08:50 PM	#3
EdKruzel Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 7,384	Utilizing a DSB that area wouldn't suffice, however it is enough for pods and macro growth to accomplish what you wish. What works nice (if you have additional room) is to find a square 5gal bucket (cat litter container) and place a bulkhead near the top fitted with pvc for the return. Use a small powerhead in the sump to feed it and the bulkhead will act by a gravity return. Place 6'' (at least) of oolithic sized sand and then some rubble for the pods; add your favorite macro with a small light on top and you have your (very cheap) refugium. __________________ When you find yourself in "Deep Water" it's best to keep your mouth shut! Current Tank Info: 65RR Cube Mixed Reef

12/15/2006, 08:47 PM	#2
staticx Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: oregon Posts: 825	I would recomend the bigest fuge possible. Any fuge is better then no fuge.If you have 24 inches to split between return and fuge I would say probly 10 inches for return and 14 for fuge. If it was me I would even make the fuge larger.