DIY Refugium

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You said I should be looking at something with just a 3x turn over...Is that for the overflow box or the return pump or both? What would you recommend I use?

Thanks!
 
You said I should be looking at something with just a 3x turn over...Is that for the overflow box or the return pump or both? What would you recommend I use?

Thanks!

I like quiet one submersible pumps because you don't need to drill any holes in the glass. Just drop the pump in the water attach a pipe to the pump and the top of your tank and plug in. There's many sizes. Refugiums need slow water flow. maybe even 2X will be fine.
The over flow box will hopefully flow (overflow) what ever your pumps pushes up to your tank.

When it's all said and done nothing replaced a good old water change. IMO the refugium is unnecessary for fresh water systems but will still be a fun project and wont hurt a thing. I say go for it. But if it's getting to be a PITA then scrap the project.
 
I like quiet one submersible pumps because you don't need to drill any holes in the glass. Just drop the pump in the water attach a pipe to the pump and the top of your tank and plug in. There's many sizes. Refugiums need slow water flow. maybe even 2X will be fine.
The over flow box will hopefully flow (overflow) what ever your pumps pushes up to your tank.

When it's all said and done nothing replaced a good old water change. IMO the refugium is unnecessary for fresh water systems but will still be a fun project and wont hurt a thing. I say go for it. But if it's getting to be a PITA then scrap the project.

You'd be surprised at how well plants can take care of a tank.. check out my thread on vermiponics.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?448952-Vermiponics-Fish-Plants-and-Worms
 
I just set up a 30 gallon sump on my 150, I had an fx5 and tidepool 2 sump on it before. I used a Deep Blue Triton 5 pump from Ken's rated at 1350gph and a aqueon overflow box rated at 2200gph power out tested it and never any water on the floor, The Triton 5 is cheap and it works but it's extremely noisy and so is the overflow box, I know there are ways to quiet the overflow box but you might not want the noise from the Triton 5. So far it's working pretty good and water is just as clear as it was with the FX5 and other sump. There are some pics of the setup here http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?470754-Sump-Help
 
Thanks for all your suggestions everyone!

I'm about to pick up the 30 gallon tank tomorrow. As for the overflow and pump, I'm thinking of using the Eshopps Overflow Boxes PF-300 (Rated 300 GPH) and a Maxi-Jet Submersible Utility Pumps Model 900 (Rated 247 GPH). Also, instead of a PVC Pipe, I'm thinking of using Flexible PVC Pipe 1" ID 25 ft instead. There really isn't much space between the wall and my tank so I figured it would be easier to install if I use tubes instead of pipes.

What do you think?
 
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