DIY Refugium

[Kaiden]

I'm thinking of using my spare 10 gallon tank as a refugium for my 150 gallon. I just wanted to use it for my aquatic and terrestrial plants to help contain my nitrate levels. I've never had a sump before so I have a couple of questions about what I'll need to complete this project. So far, this is what I've come up with for the design...



Do you think this will work? I was reading/watching some DIY sump designs made by other people and I just incorporated their plants to that.

As for materials, I'm planning to use this Acrylic Sheet -> http://www.lowes.com/pd_78778-1638-...1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=acrylic&facetInfo= as the baffles and instead of PVC pipes, I'm thinking of using hose for both the overflow and return line. Kind of something like this -> http://www.lowes.com/pd_31781-59288..._4294937087_?Ns=p_product_rating|1&facetInfo=. Will that be okay?

For the overflow box, I'm thinking of buying the Eshopps PF-800 but I don't know what type of pump I should get for the return line. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Now as for my biggest concern...The reason why I've always stuck with canisters is because I'm worried about sumps overflowing. I've heard stories about people having this issue especially during a power outage. How can I prevent such thing from happening? Can I put any shut off valve or something on the tubes so I can cut off the circulation when needed? Also, during water changes, do I need to turn off the pump for the refugium or do anything special?

I'm totally new to the idea of sump/refugium so if I missed any other important details about it, please feel free to share any information you think would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[duanes]

If during a power outage, your pump stops, once the water stops rising in the tank, the overflow also stops. It will only overflow the sump if you have filled the sump too high.
There is a balance that one achieves between sump water level, pump rate, and overflow.
I always fill the sump to 2/3rds, and when I add water to the tank, I add water to the sump 1st, and only to that 2/3rds level.

 

[Rivermud]

along the lines of warning from duanes... you may want to consider some other larger container for your refugium/sump if you plant to implement it that way. you must remember your sump will have to be able to take the water left in the pipes as well as any water from the tank that is above the bottom limit of your overflow. A 10 gallon tank with plants and sand media would be hard pressed to handle any water storage capacity on your tank. I've used rubermaid storage bins, old coolers, trash cans (washed or unused) etc.. it's really just a matter of storage hence the word sump. You'll also need to address lighting.. I would suggest terrestrial as well as submersed and low light plants to save on energy and effort. Prune regularly and don't let dead leaf matter stay in the sump.

 

[Kaiden]

What would be a decent size sump for a 150 gallon? I'm actually looking around CL for any used tanks and so far I only found a 30 gallon tank for sale for $35.

 

[duanes]

A breeder tank, 30 or 40gal works for planted sumps, because they have a large footprint. They are low and wide, room for plants and hardware. I have had them under my 150.

 

[Kaiden]

I'm not sure if it is a breeder tank. The seller didn't mention. But I'll ask for the dimensions.

Aside from the tank, what other things do I need to build this project? And, will the design I have originally posted work in this setup?

 

[Kaiden]

Sorry for the double post. The seller just said that the dimensions are 36 x 12 x 16 so I believe that's a standard 30 gallon. Will that work as well?

Here's a pic of it:

 

[Egon]

I like using 55 gallon tanks for my sumps because they are cheap on CL in my area. I also like that they are tall. Tall tanks have the extra capacity to hold water when the power goes out or the pump fails. Your 30 gallon will work but it may not hold all the water after a power outage.

 

[Kaiden]

Is there a way to install a shut off/control valve on the tubes? So in case of emergencies, I can just close both of them to avoid overflows.

I'm not sure I can put a 55 gallon tank under my stand too. I already have 2x canisters on it so it might be a little too tight. I'm only using the sump for my plants.

 

[Egon]

Is there a way to install a shut off/control valve on the tubes? So in case of emergencies, I can just close both of them to avoid overflows.

You could install check valves. They are set up to flow in one direction only. When power is lost the water wont flow back. Unfortunately, they fail so that's a weak fix. Just run your sump water level as low as possible. Go with a small return pump and you will be fine. I didn't know you had canister filters also. So the sump wont be the primary filter then water flow through it wont need to be very fast. Maybe 3x turn over or so per hour

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