refugium help-basics

[rrrrob]

Hi:

I am thinking of adding a refugium to reduce nitrates to my 60 gal. acrylic tank. I have never had one, and have not done any filter plumbing, other than setting up the original filter I have running now (see pic):



I would like to set it up so it will rely only on the flow created by my existing pump that came with the bio-ball/wet-dry filter. Will this set-up work:



Any thoughts on baffle placement, etc., or general comments on this design? I am really clueless, so any guidance greatly appreciated. P.S., the main filter I already have has a protein skimmer in it.

Also, recommendations on live sand/seaweed/culerpa, etc.? Currently, it is a fish only tank with some inverts....no corals, no heavy-duty lighting. I am thinking of getting the sand/plants from ebay--my LFS doesn't seem to carry these items and ebay seems to have some decent prices for these items.

FINALLY, as for the baffles, etc., I am thinking of using a tall glass fishtank (10 gallon footprint, but taller)...should I get glass or acrylic material to bond into the glass tank? Where is a good place to get custom-size pieces cut for bonding into the ref. tank?

THANKS!!!!

[rrrrob]

No one?

[PPi]

sorry, don't know either. I was wondering how you liked the current sump. I was looking at the model without the skimmer. I just started a 46 bow and was looking for feedback on it and if you had a pic of your setup, would be great. Your concept of the fuge doesn't seem to unbelievable. I will pass it over to my friend that has been doing this for some time and see what he thinks.

[drummer34]

I would drill two bulk heads one in each and connect with PVC between. I did this on another one of my tanks with two sumps and it worked ok. But the u-tube I think could cause problems in a power outage or just keping the siphon going could be hard. Good luck

[drummer34]

I would drill two bulk heads one in each and connect with PVC between. I did this on another one of my tanks with two sumps and it worked ok. But the u-tube I think could cause problems in a power outage or just keping the siphon going could be hard. As for baffles if you use glass tank I would use glass baffles I have heard of people having problems with getting acrylic to bond well to glass. Good luck

[rrrrob]

PPi:

I don't have a pic here at work, but I will try to post one later this weekend. However, it's a 60 gal acrylic with an overflow box, fish only with some invertebrates. As far as the sump filter is concerned, I've only had it a year, but of course it's a big improvement since I converted the tank from a undergravel/crushed coral setup (although the nitrates are still high--which is why i'm considering the refugium--but now I'm starting to second-guess that approach--looking into live rock as a means to accomplish low/no nitrates).

Anyway, as far as the filter goes, I like it pretty much, but for two things:

1.) When the power goes off (or when I unplug the pump for cleaning), the sump comes DANGEROUSLY close to overflowing! This particular filter is rated for up to 75 gallons, so I am wondering if I had a 75 gallon tank if the thing would completely overflow--guess it depends on whether a 75 is just taller without increase surface area. Even with the 60, I have to take a pitcher of water out of the main tank as it is draining immediately after I shut the power off. I am not too worried about a power outtage, as the amount of overflow would be minor, but it would still be nice if NO WATER could escape.

2.) The overflow box emits a loud rushing water noise that can become quite annoying. The pump that came with the model I bought is NOT adjustable, so I can't reduce the flow/noise.

As for the syphon aspect--I want to use a tall glass fishtank for the refugium, so I don't know that drilling is an option (the acrylic sump already has a hole, but I was planning to simply plug it). I would think the syphon wouldn't be compromised though, as it isn't in an overflow box situation.

[drummer34]

Ok I totally know where you are coming from and your idea I believe to be sound. My only concern is the same problem I had trying this. I had to sumps connected to my tank one from each overflow the problem is one side always gets more water so one will have a lot of water and the other will go empty I corrcted this by connecting the two with a 1 inch piece of PVC and it allowed the water level to stay constant in each one. your overflow design may work but as far as overflows go i find them unreliable and believe me you dont want a flood on your hands. connecting these should solve your overflowing problem when you shut off the pump you will have more area for water. I an assuming you only have one overflow box so you may not have the same problem as i did. as for the tank drilling I am sure you can get a glass company near you to do it if that is the way you decide to go. Also if your sump tries to overflow when you shut off pumps you should be able to adjust how far in your display the overflow box sets if you raise it up a little it will lower the water level in your sump and should stop that problem and there is a lot of info on here about making your overflow quiter. Good luck

[rrrrob]

As requested, pics of the set-up pre-refugium....Nothing fancy, but you get the idea

[jrobison]

I would definitely have the glass drilled and connect with a bulkhead, it would cut out many possible mis-haps. Also if you want to be able to adjust your return pump you can put a ball valve between it and the tank. Good luck.

[sjm817]

If you want to reduce nitrates, get rid of those bioballs. I would replace that wet/dry with a sump, skimmer and a fuge section if you want.

[albert2k]

Originally posted by rrrrob
Hi:

I am thinking of adding a refugium to reduce nitrates to my 60 gal. acrylic tank. I have never had one, and have not done any filter plumbing, other than setting up the original filter I have running now (see pic):



I would like to set it up so it will rely only on the flow created by my existing pump that came with the bio-ball/wet-dry filter. Will this set-up work:



Any thoughts on baffle placement, etc., or general comments on this design? I am really clueless, so any guidance greatly appreciated. P.S., the main filter I already have has a protein skimmer in it.

Also, recommendations on live sand/seaweed/culerpa, etc.? Currently, it is a fish only tank with some inverts....no corals, no heavy-duty lighting. I am thinking of getting the sand/plants from ebay--my LFS doesn't seem to carry these items and ebay seems to have some decent prices for these items.

FINALLY, as for the baffles, etc., I am thinking of using a tall glass fishtank (10 gallon footprint, but taller)...should I get glass or acrylic material to bond into the glass tank? Where is a good place to get custom-size pieces cut for bonding into the ref. tank?

THANKS!!!!

Why not do something like this?

[pezcubano]

I agree with SJM on the sump design. I have mine like he states and it works beautifully. I'm in the process of slowly taking out the bioballs and putting a skimmer in that section of the sump.

[rrrrob]

stoopid question: would filling the display tank with live rock accomplish the same thing as a refugium (nitrate reduction)?