Fuge Size

[RJARMAN]

How big of a fuge would you need to have to be effective in removing nitrates and such if your total volume is 260 gallons?

[griss]

I think there are so many variables involved that you will have a hard time finding an answer to your question.

If it helps, I plan to use a 300 gallon refugium on my 450 gallon tank that is in the planning stages. I have no special reason for this size fuge other than I already have the 300 gallon stock tank and I wanted a large fuge with a lot of biodiversity.

George

[RJARMAN]

I think I need a bigger house...well I better keep the ol' bioload low..

[mojodeli]

I have a 50g fuge on my 240.

[Loudz34]

i have a 150 on my 180 with a 100g sump... and 50g (macroalge tank)

[DgenR8]

I run a 100 gallon main sump, with two small (15 gallon, and 40 gallon) and a 55 gallon 'fuge on my 125, which I'm upgrading to a 220.

[serjuanca88]

A fuge can really be an size you want it to be. THe best fuge would be the biggest fuge.

[DgenR8]

The rule of thumb is bigger is better, but I realize that not everyone has a basement to work with, and a 100 sump + 55 gallon fuge is just not practical for everyone. I say go for as big as you can fit, but always keep in mind that ANY refugium is better than no refugium.

[Ken Sellick]

I am planning a 300G fuge for a 900G display tank or 1/3 the volume.

[VegasMike]

Same proportions for mine, 450 gallon main tank with a 150 gallon refugium and a 120 gallon sump.

[Ken Sellick]

my sump is currently planned at 2850 G a little larger than most.

[dgasmd]

Originally posted by Ken Sellick
my sump is currently planned at 2850 G a little larger than most.

:eek1: :eek1: :eek1: :eek1: :eek1: :eek1:

I think Griss sumarised it best. Yes, a fuge is better than none and the bigger the better. However, if you optimise it, you can ahve a very efficient refuge that will work at its max ratehr than aone large one that does not do much for you. First of all, you have to define what is the main purpose of your refuge and then build it around that purpose.

I have a 100g in a 360g tank with a 100g sump. I chose that size because it was the biggest I could fit in the space I had for it in my garage and still be able to park my car. Turns out that after doing it all and doing the plumbing, I came about 1.5 feet too far from where I needed to be, so now I can't even park the car there. In retrospect, I should have gone with that 300g one I wanted.

Some things to remember when planing for a total water volume, sump size, refuge size etc. are the following:
-more water to heat up
-more water volume to cool
-will take much more electricity, cost, and time to do both of the above.
-more water to mantain appropriate levels of alkalinity, Ca, etc.
-more water and salt to change
more salt to use when doing water changes
-more water to evaporate and replenish.
-larger and more expensive equipment to mantain your tank

The list goes on.:rolleye1:

[Soltaker]

I have a 90 gallon for my 220 display tank.

[DiverD rufus]

I have a 50 gal fuge but also have a 150 gal sump with alot of live rock and sand

[Crawdad1]

I have a 480 gallon on my 240. The tank has been cycling since april without corals and I just started to add corals on the 1st of this year.

http://theinnerreef.com/a/filled.jpg

I try to get an updated picture up for you.

[Crawdad1]

OK heres a picture of it now and the second one is of the tank. I know there is not much in there, but I'm staying away from the rock wall look.

http://theinnerreef.com/a/DCP_3612.jpg

http://theinnerreef.com/a/DCP_3578.jpg