Refugium Addition

bkbailes07 · 12/21/2006, 02:54 PM

i want to make a refugium out of a 20 gallon all-glass aquarium. i already have the sump and pump there and want to put the 20 gallon next to the sump but am unsure how to get the water into the refugium and then back into the sump. my idea to get it into a refugium is through the chiller pump but am unsure of the easiest way to get the water back into the sump.
heres a picture:

BeanAnimal · 12/21/2006, 03:18 PM

Drill the fuge and let it drain by gravity back to the sump. Use two holes and two bulkheads to ensure that a partial clog does not cause a flood. Some people will advocate the use of a u-tube... but your asking for trouble.

bkbailes07 · 12/21/2006, 03:26 PM

how big of holes? 1/2"? and how can i drill this?

BeanAnimal · 12/21/2006, 04:20 PM

If it is glass.. then you will need to purchase the bulkheads 1" would be good.... LFS or aquaticecosystems, savko, etc. You can have your LFS drill it for you... or get the proper size bit on eBay for $20 and then read up here at RC on glass drilling... Very easy if you take your time and follow the basic instructions. Buy the bulkheads before the bit so that you know what size. Most bulkheads come with specs for bit sizes.

Bean

GROSSR · 12/22/2006, 08:50 AM

Drill it. I have a 30 gallon as my sump and I got a 25 high for the refugium. I have a 1" bulkhead. The hole is about 1 3/4". I drilled the hole myself. Not a big deal. You can get a diamond hole saw on ebay for 5.00 w/ 5.00 for shipping.

I have tried the U tube thing and built a lifereef type overflow, both failed do to snails and clogs.

I chose a 25 high so I didn't have to raise the refugium with a mini stand.

Don't drill the hole at the top, give yourself some room for the bulkhead. Also, check your sump when you lose power, I have about 3 or 4 gallons of water that flow into my sump after a power loss.

rich

12/21/2006, 02:54 PM	#1
bkbailes07 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 266	Refugium Addition i want to make a refugium out of a 20 gallon all-glass aquarium. i already have the sump and pump there and want to put the 20 gallon next to the sump but am unsure how to get the water into the refugium and then back into the sump. my idea to get it into a refugium is through the chiller pump but am unsure of the easiest way to get the water back into the sump. heres a picture:

12/21/2006, 03:18 PM	#2
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	Drill the fuge and let it drain by gravity back to the sump. Use two holes and two bulkheads to ensure that a partial clog does not cause a flood. Some people will advocate the use of a u-tube... but your asking for trouble.

12/21/2006, 03:26 PM	#3
bkbailes07 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 266	how big of holes? 1/2"? and how can i drill this?

12/21/2006, 04:20 PM	#4
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	If it is glass.. then you will need to purchase the bulkheads 1" would be good.... LFS or aquaticecosystems, savko, etc. You can have your LFS drill it for you... or get the proper size bit on eBay for $20 and then read up here at RC on glass drilling... Very easy if you take your time and follow the basic instructions. Buy the bulkheads before the bit so that you know what size. Most bulkheads come with specs for bit sizes. Bean

12/22/2006, 08:50 AM	#5
GROSSR Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Aberdeen NJ Posts: 1,853	Drill it. I have a 30 gallon as my sump and I got a 25 high for the refugium. I have a 1" bulkhead. The hole is about 1 3/4". I drilled the hole myself. Not a big deal. You can get a diamond hole saw on ebay for 5.00 w/ 5.00 for shipping. I have tried the U tube thing and built a lifereef type overflow, both failed do to snails and clogs. I chose a 25 high so I didn't have to raise the refugium with a mini stand. Don't drill the hole at the top, give yourself some room for the bulkhead. Also, check your sump when you lose power, I have about 3 or 4 gallons of water that flow into my sump after a power loss. rich