building a refugium sump... having problems

murphysfish · 09/02/2008, 09:19 AM

have 280 tank that used to be FO with wet dry bio ball setup.... I took it all down .

starting a Reef tank but want to use the same sump or wet dry with return box that had all the bio balls in it.

It has two compartments with plastic shelves that used to hold the bio balls( they are all removed now)

and then a return for the pump.

gallon wise it seems to be big enough (30 gallons) is it true ?

I originally bought a 75 gallon long tank to make the refugium out of but it doesnt fit in the doors at all . the only way in is cutting a hole in the side and weakening the stand.

I need some input and ideas on the best way to set it up ?

one big fuge sump > one sump and seperate fuge ?

only two months in hobby want to do this tank right !

gimmic · 09/02/2008, 09:47 AM

You may also be able to remove the front center 'brace' to get the 75 long in. I ended up going with a seperate fuge and sump:

crvz · 09/02/2008, 11:24 AM

a 30 is kind of small for a sump on a 300 gallon system, I'd consider doing a couple tanks if you can't get the 75 in place. Can you get any pictures of the setup?

JOSEPHLB · 09/02/2008, 12:38 PM

If the main DT is not setup and its empty, remove it from the stand. Your large sump may fit in through the top.

murphysfish · 09/02/2008, 01:23 PM

wont fit on the top. Thought about just using the sump as a sump and filling it with rubble and carbon bags and filter media. I really want a fuge because my 55 gallon had horrible problems with nitrates.

I am thinking about cutting the side out of one side and making it into a door.

I am moving in 2 years and will probably just build a new stand when it arrives at its new location.

gimmic how are you plumbing it with two tanks ? in the sump than trickling over to the fuge than back to the sump ? not trying to have to much flow in the fuge

09/02/2008, 09:19 AM	#1
murphysfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 52	building a refugium sump... having problems have 280 tank that used to be FO with wet dry bio ball setup.... I took it all down . starting a Reef tank but want to use the same sump or wet dry with return box that had all the bio balls in it. It has two compartments with plastic shelves that used to hold the bio balls( they are all removed now) and then a return for the pump. gallon wise it seems to be big enough (30 gallons) is it true ? I originally bought a 75 gallon long tank to make the refugium out of but it doesnt fit in the doors at all . the only way in is cutting a hole in the side and weakening the stand. I need some input and ideas on the best way to set it up ? one big fuge sump > one sump and seperate fuge ? only two months in hobby want to do this tank right ! __________________ 55g reef / 280g under construction/ hex45g hospital/ those that dont try, never fail and are truly losers.

09/02/2008, 11:24 AM	#3
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	a 30 is kind of small for a sump on a 300 gallon system, I'd consider doing a couple tanks if you can't get the 75 in place. Can you get any pictures of the setup? __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

09/02/2008, 01:23 PM	#5
murphysfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 52	wont fit on the top. Thought about just using the sump as a sump and filling it with rubble and carbon bags and filter media. I really want a fuge because my 55 gallon had horrible problems with nitrates. I am thinking about cutting the side out of one side and making it into a door. I am moving in 2 years and will probably just build a new stand when it arrives at its new location. gimmic how are you plumbing it with two tanks ? in the sump than trickling over to the fuge than back to the sump ? not trying to have to much flow in the fuge __________________ 55g reef / 280g under construction/ hex45g hospital/ those that dont try, never fail and are truly losers.

09/02/2008, 09:47 AM	#2
gimmic Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 515	You may also be able to remove the front center 'brace' to get the 75 long in. I ended up going with a seperate fuge and sump:

09/02/2008, 12:38 PM	#4
JOSEPHLB Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spring Grove, PA Posts: 287	If the main DT is not setup and its empty, remove it from the stand. Your large sump may fit in through the top.