How to setup my sump?

[John A!10]

Hi I’m going to be setting up a 29 gallon with a 10 gallon tank shortly.
I was wondering what is everything I need:
For my refuge I’m so I need a light?
Which I s good protein skimmer.
I don’t really want to drill my tank do you think I should use an hob overflow.
what else do I need?

 

[NatD]

Hi I’m going to be setting up a 29 gallon with a 10 gallon tank shortly.
I was wondering what is everything I need:
For my refuge I’m so I need a light?
Which I s good protein skimmer.
I don’t really want to drill my tank do you think I should use an hob overflow.
what else do I need?

Whether you need a light in your refugium depends on your goals for it. If it’s for nutrient export with cheato, yes you need a light. If it’s for a safe space for microfauna to reproduce then you don’t need light. A nice cheato ball with a light could serve both purposes.

I know the thought of drilling sounds intimidating if you’ve never done it, but I really encourage you to reconsider. It’s not that bad and there are some great videos online. IMO, those HOB overflows aren’t a question of if they’ll put water on your floor but rather when.

 

[Fishy212]

I recently did a mod to convert my ATO into a refugium. I consider myself pretty handy and it was definitely super stressful drilling into the side of the ATO. Youtube and elbow grease is your best bet. Sounds like a lot of work, but worth it seeing my pod population explode.

Good luck!!

 

[John A!10]

Whether you need a light in your refugium depends on your goals for it. If it’s for nutrient export with cheato, yes you need a light. If it’s for a safe space for microfauna to reproduce then you don’t need light. A nice cheato ball with a light could serve both purposes.

I know the thought of drilling sounds intimidating if you’ve never done it, but I really encourage you to reconsider. It’s not that bad and there are some great videos online. IMO, those HOB overflows aren’t a question of if they’ll put water on your floor but rather when.

I will looking at some videos to see. Do you think you need a very strong light. And what else will I need in my sump.

 

[John A!10]

I will looking at some videos to see. Do you think you need a very strong light. And what else will I need in my sump.

Have you guys had any leaks with your overflow(not hob). I’m only 14 and I don’t want my tank to leak, even thought it will be in the basement.