Red Sea Reefer 525xl refugium flow?

[West1]

I'm waiting for some parts from BRS and between now and them, I have time to think.

Most refugiums have low flow for detrius and I'm really thinking about going with high flow to possibly have the chaeto tumble. Thoughts on this converted ATO with 2nd Herbie setup pls...


Blue is Emergency drain along with Yellow Letter E

Red is main drain with gate valve along with shorter yellow D.

(Both fuge drains in same area of sump, before sock holders).

Pink/purple LED light at the top.

All feedback is welcome with an explanation on comments, TYVM!

 

[S2G]

So is this triton style? I use to run my fuge before everything with no socks. Triton recommends 10x.

 

[West1]

I haven't read to much into triton method as soon as I read extra additives.

I do like the idea of chaeto catching detritus so yes, I will run without filter socks.

I dont have a controller so I cant tell the GPH. I will upgrade return line and add a manifold for 2 reactors (use as needed) on a Deepwater DC5 BLDC pump. During leak test, I had a lot of surface agitation with a strong return flow. I will use 2 MP40's and add more if needed.

 

[West1]

Bump... feedback

 

[West1]

TTT

 

[West1]

Last bump...

 

[S2G]

I like higher flow. I wouldn't do 20x or anything. However, I think around 10x is good. I can't tell what's going on with your setup. Will this be your sump or ran with your sump? Your setup will work the way it's laid out just throttle your pump for decent flow.

Powerheads etc won't be necessary ime. It really defeats the purpose of a fuge which is suppose to be a lazy person's nutrient export and really low tech simple. Your light is where the attention needs to be. If you have money to burn grab a kessil h380 if you want to save grab a 150w ufo cre grow light. Tumbling chaeto isnt necessary.

If you want more specificity with your flow then you could do a gallon jug water test etc.

 

[lroberts108]

I have a similar setup with a dedicated DC pump running the fuge (plus a reactor and UV). I started with a very low flow rate and have been gradually increasing it do to build up of surface contaminates. It collects detritus like crazy and I feel like I am always cleaning it out.

I recommend running it all the way to the left since it gives you easier access to the pump and socks/cups.

 

[West1]

I'm using the standard V3 sump and was thinking about upgrading the ATO for a fuge. The display drain would drop 100% of water into the ATO/fuge (blue and red) and I would put I a 2nd Gate Valve on the fuge drain (2nd gate valve will mirror standard drain location).

No powerheads in fuge, just the current from main pump.

 

[West1]

I have a similar setup with a dedicated DC pump running the fuge (plus a reactor and UV). I started with a very low flow rate and have been gradually increasing it do to build up of surface contaminates. It collects detritus like crazy and I feel like I am always cleaning it out.

I recommend running it all the way to the left since it gives you easier access to the pump and socks/cups.

The reason I'm trying to run it on the right, is because I'd like to have the chaeto grow big enough that it eliminated the use of socks. As I remove chaeto, I remove detritus. It's the concept from the Triton method where its run before the skimmer.

 

[lroberts108]

ahhhh. I see now. I can see some issues trying to keep the water level stable in the ato/fuge unless you ran the second gate valve a little more closed and let some water go over the overflow.

I was careful about setting mine up in case of a power outage it would still hold a decent amount of water.

I have recently put a ball of chaeto in the first section of the sump and let that tumble.

 

[lroberts108]

The reason I'm trying to run it on the right, is because I'd like to have the chaeto grow big enough that it eliminated the use of socks. As I remove chaeto, I remove detritus. It's the concept from the Triton method where its run before the skimmer.

Makes sense. So what are your plans for the first chamber of the sump?? I was planning on making mine a frag section.

 

[West1]

Makes sense. So what are your plans for the first chamber of the sump?? I was planning on making mine a frag section.

I have no plans for the first section. I've always liked having a fish chamber in all my sumps. That was when I was heavy into fresh water and I'm just carrying it over. Might turn into a frag rack, no vision really.

 

[S2G]

ahhhh. I see now. I can see some issues trying to keep the water level stable in the ato/fuge unless you ran the second gate valve a little more closed and let some water go over the overflow.

I was careful about setting mine up in case of a power outage it would still hold a decent amount of water.

I have recently put a ball of chaeto in the first section of the sump and let that tumble.

Yeah I was having problems visualizing myself. I thought he was trying to back flush his fuge or something lol

 

[S2G]

So the yellow is fuge drains out the bottom or how is that going to work? I'd be nervous about every drain going to the fuge

Usually with mine I'll run 2 main oversized drain from fuge then a backup a little higher jic in case

 

[West1]

I'll use two 1" drains (one emergency) and the ATO has a bottom drain for the float valve that will be plugged.

 

[ScottB]

So when the bottom drain valve clogs -- because Murphy says it will but only when you are a thousand miles away -- the water needs to get SAFELY back to the sump. Test for that eventuality and then go for it.

Also a question: with the return pump off, you will be able to move that reservoir easily, correct?

 

[West1]

So when the bottom drain valve clogs -- because Murphy says it will but only when you are a thousand miles away -- the water needs to get SAFELY back to the sump. Test for that eventuality and then go for it.

Also a question: with the return pump off, you will be able to move that reservoir easily, correct?

I have only visually looked at the ATO to see if water will drop into the sump. That's a good point, prior to drilling the ATO, I'll fill with DI and pump more DI water in the ATO at around 1k gph.

With display pump off, the water height should be around half empty (or however the gate valve height is). If I ever need to drain it completely, I can always open the original ATO corner drain (or use it to siphon out detrius). So yes I could move it but I dont plan on doing so.

 

[ScottB]

I have the 525 with a DIY ATO and running without a fuge, so I am interested to see other solutions to get a fuge going.

Water spills in surprising ways so some thorough testing is important. I never thought a rogue internal skimmer could wet my floors until it did. When I was a thousand miles away. Thankfully APEX told me about it so spouse was able to shut it off.