Pump for refugium

Hi guys,

I was wonderig what size pump you would recommend for the refugium in my future sump. The refugium will be on the end of the sump with the return in the middle. My plan was to put the refugium pump in the return section with a ball valve and run some tubing into the refugium to create controlable flow back to the return section. I have had experience with mag drives but am open to suggestions and sizes. Thanks.

Regards,
Ivy

 

I split the flow coming from my overflow so a portion leads to the refugium so no additional pumps are needed. Some do similar but feed the refugium from the returm pump. I like the nutrients from the overflow to feed the macroalgaes and fauna in the refugium though myself.

 

Do you use some sort of valve of the return to the refugium to control the flow?

I was initially going to split the return but was told that is wasn't the best option.

Thanks!!!

 

+1 on splitting the line from the overflow. You don't need to use backflow from your pump. Just split the line from the overflow, and use a ball valve to control the flow to the fuge. That way you can make it as low flow as you want. I use the same design myself - works great.

 

Another +1 on splitting the line. Adding another pump is just adding more heat and another failure point.

 

Yes, I use a 1/2" ball valve to control flow to the refugium. This is an old pic but should give you an idea.

 

Thanks again for the replies. I like the idea of not having to buy a new pump . I also appreciate the picture and may have questions about how you plumbed yours if you don't mind. I am going from flexible tubing and want to change over to hard PVC. Thanks again.

 

As you can see I have a mixture of both PVC and flexible tube. I always try to use a piece of flex next to pumps to break up noise and vibrations plus it adds flexibility so you don't strain bulkheads or fittings that way. I try to stay as large a diameter as possible to reduce head loss from friction and fittings, if a pump has 3/4" on the suction or discharge I use 1" etc.