Does it matter where a refugium feed is in the filter system? By this I mean before skimmer, after skimmer, media filters etc. My tank is a fluval edge with incorporated filter chambers. I have one bulk head installed from the factory in the return chamber of this filter. I plan to use it to feed my fuge. I'm installing another bulkhead in the filter chambers as a back up in case one plugs up.
Does it matter
- Thread starter flat6guy
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Refugiums should be on their own loop from the DT for maximum efficiency. Linking them into the same loop as other filtrations will block the movement of mucrofauna to and from the fuge.
If you need it to be in the same loop as of her filtration I would put it last. You will lose some of the nutrient input but will preserve the most mucrofauna life returning to the DT.
If you need it to be in the same loop as of her filtration I would put it last. You will lose some of the nutrient input but will preserve the most mucrofauna life returning to the DT.
This refugeium will be on it's own loop. My plan is to have a full siphon drain with an emergency drain. The return from the refugeium will be over the side of the tank and back into the display. I'm just trying to figure out the best place to drill the bulk head. From the above replies, it seems to be best before the skimmer. If that's the case, then I will drill the hole in the first chamber and leave the emergency drain for the last chamber. I've attached a pic in case anyone wants to see the tank first hand. For clarification, the tank is upside down.
Ron Reefman
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Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
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IMHO it will work either way and the difference is minor. I've done both in the past. However, currently I have a small system (40g cube) with a 30g sump/refugium and I just feed tank water through a filter sock, through the refugium, to the return chamber which has both the return pump and a skimmer (the skimmer just releases clean water back into the same section). It works just fine. If you have enough room, or enough time, or a desire to REALLY get it right, the fuge and sump would be slightly better off with separate returns. But I think the difference is very minor.
Gregg @ ADP
Valuable Member
It doesn’t matter.
Filtration is a continuous process. It’s not a matter of dirty water coming into the sump, clean water going out. It’s just a 24/7 waste processing facility that lowers nutrients in the long-term.
Filtration is a continuous process. It’s not a matter of dirty water coming into the sump, clean water going out. It’s just a 24/7 waste processing facility that lowers nutrients in the long-term.
