Help with my sump/refugium

99taws6 · 09-02-2007, 11:00 PM

Ok, I just set up my 72Gal Bowfront RR and it currently has a wet/dry w/ biowheel underneath. I want to build a sump/refugium for it as soon as possible. I currently have a 29gal aquarium that I can use as my sump/refugium or a I can buy a 20L to use. Either will fit. I would like to put my skimmer in my sump/refugium as well.

Can anyone help me with a basic layout/design of this setup? I don't want to dump mad money into it right now, but I want to make sure I have my baffles and stuff in the right place. Thanks so much for helping this newbie out.

Frizza · 09-03-2007, 06:02 AM

I would create three sections, from left to right your first section will hold a pump for your skimmer so it does not need to be that big, the second section (in the middle) will be your return section and the last will be for your refugium. Both left and right sections will overflow into the middle section. I would make your return section as big as possible so you do not have to keep topping up your water.
You can control the flow using valves as the refugium will need slow flow rates. As for your baffles, usually they are spaced at 1" apart.
Haven't got any design pics im afraid but it will give you something to think about!

MagWitch · 09-03-2007, 08:03 PM

Why would you put the fuge on the right side? It makes sense to me to put it in the middle where water will flow thorugh it more.

99taws6 · 09-03-2007, 09:03 PM

You don't want the water to flow quickly through the fuge area. You want the water to be in there for a bit to allow the bad stuff to be removed. Atleast that is what I think I read.

ziggy222 · 09-03-2007, 09:35 PM

i've seen them that were nothing more than a rubbermade container with a return pump,some macro algae ,and a clamp on work lamp with a screw in pc bulb.its up to you how complicated you want to make it.