DIY unusual Refugium

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by RoloSaez, Jun 5, 2013.

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  1. RoloSaez

    RoloSaez Millepora

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    One question. On my Durso Standpipes in the overflow should I drill a bigger whole in the top to allow for more water flow. Before the pump was much smaller and as of now it's handling the flow well. But it is two inches from the top of the overflow it used to be lower. Did a power failure test also and I still had about 5" of space.
     
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  3. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    You could, although that may not be the issue. You could always cover it up if it had no affect. What size pipe, 1 1/4"?
     
  4. RoloSaez

    RoloSaez Millepora

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    1" is all I could fit in the pre-drilled holes. 3/4" returns
     
  5. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    Ok. So a little under sized then. I have read that the ideal size is 1 1/4" (IIRC), but you may just need to throttle back your pump a little. I actually had to throttle my Mag 12 back on my 125 with dual 1 1/4" Dursos. Adding additional holes did not help (all it did was make it louder).
     
  6. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

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    I still can't see it in the pic. I assumed the waer in the fuge overflowed the ned pane some where near the top of the tank. That the top of the pane was blocked by the rim of the tank. If you have an overflow that makes the depth of the water in the fuge 4"... then that limits you pretty good.

    The fisrt pic of water in the fuge... I'm assuming that is the real level of where the fuge will be. That is pretty shallow. At least from that pic, if you keep the water level in the sum the same, then there is no difference in water level. Obviously, going from there, to the top of the tank as I pictured it, well that is a lot of water above the water level in the sump.

    And it could take some for sure. You might want to look at having a deep er fuge, because 4" does not leave much room. And it does not need to be "deep" obviously. If all you want is cheato, then you can keep it spread out and that will be fine. No real room for sand bed.

    the return section is not a problem. You have plenty of room. My ATO worked at 1/8". Over your area, you are talking a gallon maybe. But do not go higher than the first baffle in your skimmer section. You want that rock staedy at the same level. Sorry if I am telling you stuff you know.
     
  7. RoloSaez

    RoloSaez Millepora

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    Filled it up and then shut the power off. This image shows the water level with the power off. The video shows how it will run full.
    New sump - YouTube

     

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    Last edited: Jul 31, 2013
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  9. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

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    So the image shows the fuge section full to the top of the tank. I can't tell in the video because of the angle. And in the video, it is only 3-4 inches above sump level, so that is the weight it will be. Nothing some support can't handle.

    I'm a little lost on your skimmer... what is it, and why is it out of the sump? Also, you baffle your skimmer section so the baffle sets the water level. That way it never changes. Then you set your return section a little lower and have your ATO set to there. (That would put more of the fuge level above sump level).

    That way water level never effects skimmer performance. Varying water levels has a big impact on consistent skimmer performance.
     
  10. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    I am basically in agreement with Powerman. If there is a way to build baffles around your skimmer section so that the water level never changes that is definitely the way to go. And as mentioned, if you are going to keep the 'fuge full, then you definitely should add some supports as it is holding some weight.
     
  11. RoloSaez

    RoloSaez Millepora

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    So if I make the baffles shorter, then the water level will be lower in the skimmer section is that the main concern? The Fuge can definitely use some support and if I'm changing the baffles I can definitely add support there I agree with you guys on that. The ATO will have to also go on the skimmer side though. I did put the skimmer higher so it will function. So if I lower the baffles then I can lower the skimmer. So I should cut out the three baffles? Lower the two shorter ones to "I don't know" say 1 1/2" above the bottom of the refugium? have the refugium dump back in over on the skimmer side? Is that the best option?
     
  12. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    On the image that you drew for us, you showed your water level in the skimmer section, roughly 2 inches higher than the first baffle. You need to raise your 1st baffle to the water line you are wanting. The baffle determines the height of the water in the skimmer section.

    If I was you I would raise the baffles height so that it is 3 or 4 inches from the top of the tank. This will give you more volume in the skimmer section and allow you to keep more water in the sump section as well, as long as you raise the last baffle that high too.

    More support on the fuge will be good too.

    Just my 0.02