mfinn
likes zoanthids
How is the water getting to the refugium?
I didn't see any overflow box.
I didn't see any overflow box.
Check out my Custom internal filter for this 92 bowfront!
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Tobe71
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As of right now, I'm simply using a chiller install kit.
JBJ Nano & Mini Arctica Chiller Installation Kit
I've got the tank snugged into the corner pretty tightly, so there is no room for an overflow box (and i hate them anyhow)
With my particular set up, it's a little safer as the return and the intake for the Fuge is going into the filter area in the customized back corner of the aquarium.
As you can see, the "filter area" in the back of the tank is fed by an overflow cut into the back wall. The filter area holds about 12-14 gallons (net). The Fuge below the tank is 15 gallons. The intake for the fuge only goes about a third of the way down into the filter compartment of the Display tank. The return line of the Fuge is near the surface also in the filter compartment of the Display tank, so if I lose power only about 3-4 gallons will drain down into the Fuge until both the intake and return stop siphoning...
When power returns, since I have the inlet of the return pump about half way up off the bottom of the fuge, and if the intake breaks siphon, I will only pump 3-4 gallons back into the filter compartment of the Display tank (which would not flood the DT) before the return pump would run dry
The Fuge shot shows the inlet of the return pump being elevated. The Top down view of the back corner shows how tight this is against the wall. The larger diameter tubing on the left is the feed for the Chiller, the smaller tubing is the feed for the Fuge. The Returns are both on the right...
I've tested it and no flood hazard...
The issue I have is dialing in the sweet spot of the Fuge return pump with the Fuge intake... If I ever have to adjust anything it takes a A WHILE to dial it back in...
JBJ Nano & Mini Arctica Chiller Installation Kit
I've got the tank snugged into the corner pretty tightly, so there is no room for an overflow box (and i hate them anyhow)
With my particular set up, it's a little safer as the return and the intake for the Fuge is going into the filter area in the customized back corner of the aquarium.
As you can see, the "filter area" in the back of the tank is fed by an overflow cut into the back wall. The filter area holds about 12-14 gallons (net). The Fuge below the tank is 15 gallons. The intake for the fuge only goes about a third of the way down into the filter compartment of the Display tank. The return line of the Fuge is near the surface also in the filter compartment of the Display tank, so if I lose power only about 3-4 gallons will drain down into the Fuge until both the intake and return stop siphoning...
When power returns, since I have the inlet of the return pump about half way up off the bottom of the fuge, and if the intake breaks siphon, I will only pump 3-4 gallons back into the filter compartment of the Display tank (which would not flood the DT) before the return pump would run dry
I've tested it and no flood hazard...
The issue I have is dialing in the sweet spot of the Fuge return pump with the Fuge intake... If I ever have to adjust anything it takes a A WHILE to dial it back in...
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Tobe71
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And what about this? Seems pretty solid....
DIY Intank and HOB overflow 10 13 12 - YouTube
It was kind of what I was already thinking of doing but on a smaller scale inside the filter area in the back of the DT, effectively having two areas of overflow in my system...
(I'd be using the cylinder of a gravel vac for my internal overflow chamber...)
DIY Intank and HOB overflow 10 13 12 - YouTube
It was kind of what I was already thinking of doing but on a smaller scale inside the filter area in the back of the DT, effectively having two areas of overflow in my system...
(I'd be using the cylinder of a gravel vac for my internal overflow chamber...)
mfinn
likes zoanthids
Ok, I'm still not seeing how the water gets to the refugium.
Are you using a pump in the display tank to get water into the sump?
Are you using a pump in the display tank to get water into the sump?
Fin
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I was thinking the same thing. If you are pumping out and pumping back in - without a proper overflow - there will eventually be a flood somtime in the future. Is there a reason why you ddn't just drill the bottom? Is it tempered?
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Tobe71
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Tempered glass, so no drilling possible...
The water is being siphoned from the filter area in the rear of the display and then pumped back into the filter area.... The filter area is sectioned off from the main Display like in a nano cube....
Does that make sense?
The water is being siphoned from the filter area in the rear of the display and then pumped back into the filter area.... The filter area is sectioned off from the main Display like in a nano cube....
Does that make sense?
Fin
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One other observation. Is it going to be a problem if those Sterilite containers come loose? In my experience, regular silicone sealant doesn't usually adhere long term to plastics (including Plexiglas). I believe that as the silicone ages, those areas currently attached, may eventually come loose.
got to love diy... but I also have a couple questions, can you reach in behind the overflow to service pumps, or if a fish jumps in....... and like asked above how do you plan to reatach the plexy and plastic when it comes apart?
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Tobe71
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If I start lifting weights again, then accessing the pumps may be an issue. ha! But as of right now, I can reach them with a moderate amount of effort. Before I took better precautions on sealing off escape routes, my Blue Spot Jawfish found his way into the filter area. After about an hour, a skinned up arm and many choice words, I was able to grab him...
As for the silicone holding, so far so good! Fingers crossed!
When and/or if it lets loose, I will probably just buy another tank and have it drilled and transfer everything over and retire the DIY project.... It was just fun to work with what I had....
As for the silicone holding, so far so good! Fingers crossed!
When and/or if it lets loose, I will probably just buy another tank and have it drilled and transfer everything over and retire the DIY project.... It was just fun to work with what I had....
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Tobe71
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I could,potentially, just drain the rear area and re-silicone the Sterlite overflow baskets back in place if it becomes an issue...The Skimmer puts some pressure on the basket and pushes it toward the front wall, so I think that will help in the long run as opposed to it just hanging completely unsupported except for the the silicone and water underneath....
