Hang on Refugium for 55g w/BTA

sfarid123 · #1 12/26/2007, 04:15 PM

Hi all,

Which type/brand of hang on refugium would you suggest for a 55g reef. I'd like to improve my water quality for my BTA.

thanks

chaffey · #2 12/26/2007, 07:00 PM

CPR has 2-3 types that you can pick for your tank, however I suggest water change, better skimmer, maybe a inside the sump refugium.

joesfiddy · #3 12/26/2007, 07:32 PM

wouldnt even bother with a hang on back get a sump fuge undertank

sfarid123 · #4 12/26/2007, 08:17 PM

Thanks for the reply,

Im' very limited as far as space goes.

Do they make sump refugiums that would fit underneath a 55g space?

any links?

bpoore89 · #5 12/26/2007, 10:43 PM

I use a ten gallon tank as my refugium under my 55. I dont worry about baffles or one of those bag things to stop microbubbles. The return pump in low GPH and keeps the flow through the fuge slow and Ive never seen microbubbles

sfarid123 · #6 12/26/2007, 11:48 PM

Has the 10g refugium been effective in controlling algae and phosphates?

thanks

Boca Kris · #7 12/27/2007, 07:00 PM

I used a Freedom Filter for my 55g, never had a trace of nitrates/nitrites/ammonia, etc. All the parameters have been perfect from day one with religious water changes. Inside the canister is teaming with pods and critters, and I keep a mandarin goby fat and happy, so I know he's nibbling pods from somewhere.

Just a suggestion, I know many people will rag on you for doing it, but space was a huge issue for me as well, and I couldnt be more happy with the setup. Built in skimmer and everything.

Maybe not an ideal way to go, but it works in a 'pinch'!

sfarid123 · #8 12/27/2007, 07:55 PM

Hmm... never heard of them before.

Anyone else recommend Freedom Filter ?

Any pros/cons?

Boca Kris · #9 12/27/2007, 08:02 PM

Pros = Add a pump and drop it in your tank, no hassle, no fuss, no nitrates, etc.

Cons = Sits inside your tank (no bigger than an internal overflow box though)

Im happy with it, and a large LFS down here (Big Al's) sells a fair amount of them. So far, it has worked perfectly with mine. Some of the other people on here I have come across over the last year have had similar success and I havent heard any horror stories yet, but people will always tell you it wont work, and canister filters are no good...which according to thier experiences, may very well be true. im just offering my experience!