Who runs an above tank refuguim?

Kayadad · #1 07/05/2007, 11:49 PM

I am going to install a shelf above my 40 breeder. I have a 10 gallon acrylic tank I was thinking of using for a refuguim.

I have a BB with a ton of flow and a pretty good skimmer. This will be an sps tank. I would like to use the refuguim as a refuge for pods and such that can help feed the tank. Not sure if I will use it for cheto.

Anyone have something similar?

Pros vs Cons?

thanks,

michael

pledosophy · #2 07/06/2007, 12:28 AM

I've used a 7g on a 44g, looking to setting up a 25g on a 37g seahorse tank myself soon.

Drawbacks, you need a pump to the refugium in the display. I plan on using a MJ1200.

If the out of the fuge clogs, you got a mess on your hands.

Bonus, pods, nutrient export, increased water volume, and another place to stash gear.

JME

KENM · #3 07/06/2007, 09:02 AM

I have a 15g above my 70g and feed it about 50-75g per hour. So far, there is excellent pod production and the macro algae is growing like crazy. As for the drain concern listed by Pled, I have two drains with one being 1-1.5" below the upper rim of the tank. This drain is also 1-1.5" above the primary drain for safety. I'm sure there are some cons somewhere, I just haven't experienced them yet.

Kayadad · #4 07/06/2007, 12:06 PM

Well right now I think I will run it with a single 1" drain (I have one on the way). My display runs with a single 1.5" overflow I will take my chances

Anyone see a problem with running the pump out of my external overflow?

jda · #5 07/06/2007, 01:12 PM

Worst experience that I had was with bubbles coming from the fuge into the main tank via the drain. I just put on an external durso and problem was solved.

Scuba_Steve · #6 07/06/2007, 01:14 PM

Con, your evaporation happens in your display tank, instead of your sump. So be prepared for the water level in the display to fluctuate.

Kayadad · #7 07/06/2007, 01:18 PM

I plan on running a dorso, either external or internal.

Scuba steve, I have a sump also. My sump should handle evop and keep my display level even. Correct?

I also have ATO.

Kayadad · #8 07/06/2007, 01:20 PM

I do in the future also want to incorporate a surge. But that will be later.

A small pump in my overflow will not be a problem will it? I do not think it will be and it would be easier on head pressure.

Lights with cheto or DSB with LR rubble and no lights? Both?

Scuba_Steve · #9 07/06/2007, 01:28 PM

Wait a minute.... Your display has an overflow? If you plan on having a sump underneath as well you can just put your return pump, and the return for the fuge in that. then you wont need any extra pumps in the display, and evap will happen in the sump.

Kayadad · #10 07/06/2007, 04:12 PM

My display does have an overflow. I have a 20L sump with ATO.

I have not thought about just running the return through refuguim. My pump is pretty weak (mag 5) and the extra head will make it worse. I will definately look into it.

My idea was to just throw a small pump like a MJ1200 into my overflow and pump it up to the refuguim.

Should I do DSB in the refuguim? I run BB and I want more pods and such.