Convert sump ATO reservoir to a refugium

jsbzcmcdaniel · Feb 16, 2019

Guys -

I have a Waterbox 130 with their sump. The sump has a built in ATO reservoir and I would like to convert it to a refugium. Has anyone modified their sump to achieve this and if so can you please post some photos?

Thanks

PookieGV · Feb 16, 2019

I have the same tank and the same desire. I have seen pics ( can’t recall where) of people that use a maxi jet and a run a U shaped pipe up and over the wall into the ato chamber. The pipe usually outputs near the bottom. The water fills the entire chamber and waterfalls back over into the skimmer and return section.

jsbzcmcdaniel · Feb 17, 2019

Yeah I believe you are right. They used a maxijet and U pipe from a hang on overflow. I don't trust them and the last thing I need is flooded wood floors. I am considering drilling two holes in the reservoir one from the skimmer side and another slightly higher on the return side. I would like to find someone who has already done this before I am the guinea pig.

RumMnky · Feb 17, 2019

Link to a link
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/platinum-130-4-sump.467634/#post-5211141

PookieGV · Feb 17, 2019

jsbzcmcdaniel said:
Yeah I believe you are right. They used a maxijet and U pipe from a hang on overflow. I don't trust them and the last thing I need is flooded wood floors. I am considering drilling two holes in the reservoir one from the skimmer side and another slightly higher on the return side. I would like to find someone who has already done this before I am the guinea pig.

I know what you mean. My skimmer would be a perfect fit in the ato chamber. I thought about drilling holes between that chamber and the main chamber, but i don’t know if that would create some kind of back pressure for the slimmer. The advantage would be a large Fuge.

PookieGV · Feb 17, 2019

I am also considering just using that space for an algae reactor.

PepperDeath · Aug 6, 2020

I think I’m either gonna drill holes and put my skimmer in there or make a hang on the side algae scrubber. When my tank gets here I will figure something out.I hate that it comes with that spot blocked off for an ato.