DIY: 110g w/ 55g refuge

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A

AaronCombs

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 17, 2010
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Chattanooga, Tn
I'm working on a 110g tank with a 55g refuge sump setup.

Looking to figure out what kind of pump would be best.

I'm going to have two 1/2 (might go with a 1") draining pipes from front corners going to the 55 sump. (the drains probably will end up with a valve on them to cut the water off and on... this is not counting the siphon break for water level)

Then the pump will pump water to the back middle of the tank.



What do you all recommend? If too powerful I can control the amount it will put back to the tank with overflow and valves.
 
I have been kicking around a refugium for my freshwater tank. A few thoughts from what I have read on this forum and other places;

1) You probably do not want the full volume of your sump going through the fuge area, most info I have read recommends about 25% flow through the fuge. This could be accomplished by running a "T" and a valve from your overflow so you can regulate the waterflow.

2) I will assume you are putting together a freshwater tank - for pump size, I would shoot for at least 5x the volume of your tank turnover per hour. IMO, the more the better up to about 10x per hour.

3) I prefer external pumps. They will leave you with more room in your sump.
 
I was thinking of 1300 gph filter with UV light (don't matter if I have it or not, wont really need it, but a bonus I suppose)...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_59087-48650...&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=waterfall+pump


It's just over 10x ...


Yeah I planned on using a T to send overflow water out back to the refuge. With a valve to slow down or increase the water going to the tank, if I need to.

What is your thoughts on that pump? Or would there be another you'd suggest?
The refuge will be a 55 gallon tank, this section wont be a huge issue for the pump being in the water or out of the refuge.
 
I do not have any experience with pond equuipment. From what I have read on this forum, pond pumps tend to be noisier. I think flow wise it should be fine. I'm going to use an ocean clear filter with UV with an external pressure pump, two ReeFlo external pumps for my 60g (give or take) sump.
 
Hmm.. true, noise could be a factor.

I have a contact who has a fish stores external pump... very high powered one... which he will sell to me cheap if I want it. I think I'll call him up and find out the specs.
 
dunno haven't checked... been awhile.. however I still might end up changing which pump to another one. Can't make up my mind on it.


however I've been trying to solve some questions... a 4' post 6x6 specifically holds just over 4k lbs. before it bends.


What is everyone's thought if I use four of these posts, however 3'6" tall. The design would look like the link I added. Did it in google sketch up. Anyways, the top and bottom sections have 5 cross beams. The front and back beams (long 2x4's) will have one to two lag bolts holding them into the post. The side 2x4's will use screws. The cross beams will use screws as well.

The plywood on top would redirect the weight back to the posts. plywood will be added to the sides and back. I'll be adding doors to the front of the setup as well.


Tell me your thoughts... I'll be testing this build, once built I'll put the tank on it, fill it up and see how it holds over the corse of a few weeks. IF it does great I'll take it down and continue embelishing the stand and staining or painting it.

PS the holes in the design .. are for electrical cords.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7007/6x601.png
 
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