Help me build a fuge!

So...I would like to set up a fuge for my 90 gallon. I don't have room under my tank, so I would like to put it on the outside of the tank and to the side. It would be plumbed into the return chamber of the sump.

I need some guidance as to how to set up a fuge (plumbing, etc.). I don't even know where to start. The picture below shows the table the fuge would go on - to the left of the tank. Thanks!!!


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Well, if you're going to do it like this, you need an overflow from the fuge to your return chamber, for sure.

You also need either a pump from your return chamber to the fuge, or a drain line from your tank's overflow to the fuge.

 

Do all external fuges have overflows?

 

Well, the ones in the sump have overflows, too. That's what the tallest baffle that's solid from the bottom of the tank really is. It only allows so much water to move out of the fuge before it holds the water level at a given point.

 

I saw a DIY fuge using a battery box on here somewhere that was fairly neat and inexpensive. Might fit perfect on that stand? I believe it was T'd off of the return line for a sump and then gravity fed back into the tank. That allowed pods easier access to the DT.

 

that is matts... i think kc wants a display fuge

so do you want to two separate return pumps or one return pump kacy?

 

Yes, I want a pretty fuge.

Ummm...I don't know. What's better and easier?

 

If you're planning to feed the fuge by splitting your drain line from the display tank, I would recommend staying away from a syphon overflow box on the fuge...first of all they are ugly and you're asking for a flood...I've experienced it.

If you want to do this and not have to worry about a flood, I would drill the fuge tank, multiple holes if possible, and either:

1) split your drain line from the display and run part of the flow to the fuge with a valve to control the flow.

2) T-off your return (if it's a strong enough pump) and send some of the flow to the fuge, also use a valve to control how much goes to the fuge.

3) Use a separate pump in the sump to feed the fuge.

In all cases, have your drain line(s) from the fuge go back to the return pump section of your sump, this will prevent any live food from getting sucked up by your skimmer. If you run a decent light you could grow some soft corals in the fuge and have it as a display. I use to keep my fuge clean until recently, don't have time anymore.

 

Kc I did the same thing you want. I got a predrilled tank and plumbed it with 3/4 inch pvc pipe. The tank sits higher than my sump as the water is gravity fed back to the sump. I used one pump which is sitting inside of the sump which pumps water up to the fuge. Hopes this helps.

 

is an acrylic tank an option kacy?