HOB refugium

Ssdangeranger · Feb 4, 2014

So I have this HOB refugiem because I don't have enough room for a real refugiem under the stand. I have this problem on the return back into the tank. I can't get it to stop making bubbles as it comes off the 90 and hits the other 90 degree elbow. Can someone help or give me ideas on how to stop this?

Reefing Madness · Feb 4, 2014

Put a sponge filter on the outlet.

Ssdangeranger · Feb 4, 2014

Would copepods be able to fit through the sponge?

MrDJeep123 · Feb 4, 2014

Set it at an angle going into the tank. If that doesn't work angle it the other way. It shouldn't reduce the seal. But if it does leak from the angle, you can silicone it. i used to have one on an old tank a few years ago. I can't exactly remember which angle reduced the bubbles.

nitro'sreef · Feb 4, 2014

what type of tank do you have

Reefing Madness · Feb 4, 2014

Ssdangeranger said:
Would copepods be able to fit through the sponge?

Yes

jweintraub · Feb 4, 2014

I had the same issue when I first got my Reef Octopus HOB Refugium. I contacted CoralVue and they told me to add a ball valve between the pump and the intake pipe of the refugium to keep the water level lower in the actual refugium which will prevent the gurgling noise and bubbles in the display.

You'd think they'd just sell it with a smaller pump or with the ball valve since it's obviously a known problem...

Hope this helps.

Ssdangeranger · Feb 4, 2014

I have a 55 gallon

Ssdangeranger · Feb 4, 2014

Oh and the angle thing doesn't work and I can't find any fittings to fit the piping. It's oddball stuff so a ball valve I can't do

MrDJeep123 · Feb 4, 2014

Did you angle the second elbow as well? The idea is to reduce the flow into the tank exactly as a valve would do except not use a valve. Failing that, the sponge will work. I was hoping to save time and money. Unless you have some lying around.

NanaReefer · Feb 4, 2014

The sponge slows the flow to the point that the fuge will overflow. I tried it!
I took the elbow off.

MrDJeep123 · Feb 4, 2014

Lol, that was the idea I was tying to convey the first time round... :tongue:

Ssdangeranger · Feb 5, 2014

I take the elbow off and it still does it. I have a sponge stuffed in it right now and it's working until it gets clogged and it makes a mess. Can't wait for that