I decided to build a refugium out of an old 50 gallon. My tank is a 40 gallon with a breeding pair of True Pecula. I would like to add a mandarin, so I will put my 50 gallon underneath with lots of live rock/sand. The refugium is about 3 1/2 feet below. How many gallons per hour am I looking at for a return pump? I bought a ball valve to control the power too.
Return pump question
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Generally a refugium has really slow water movement through it. You want the water to have enough time with the macro algae and live rock/sand to remove the nitrates and phosphates. You could try a Mag 5 or 7 depending on your drain size. BTW only use a ball valve on a pressure rated pump because you will kill a regular one. I would not put a ball valve on a drain either to much risk. Anyway hope this helps. You can also buy pods to jump start your pod population in your sump. Aqua Buys sells them.
Thank you so much.
Well, my overflow uses a 3/4" tube. I live in Korea, they dont have Mag5's but they do have pumps with similar gallons per hour.
What does it mean "a pressure rated pump"?
Well, my overflow uses a 3/4" tube. I live in Korea, they dont have Mag5's but they do have pumps with similar gallons per hour.
What does it mean "a pressure rated pump"?
Just get a pump or even a good powerhead that is rated for about 300-500 litres an hour, that should do fine for a refugium. And make sure especially if its only a powerhead that it is rated for atleast 4 foot of head flow which is how high the pump can push water upwards.
I think he meant a pump that can have its flow restricted with being damaged. Alot of the smaller and especially cheaper pumps will burn out if you restrict the water flow coming out of them.
I think he meant a pump that can have its flow restricted with being damaged. Alot of the smaller and especially cheaper pumps will burn out if you restrict the water flow coming out of them.