Refugium for red sea 170

[motownjc]

Right now I don't have a refugium for my tank. I only have like 4 fish in there as of now. So I don't have much of a bioload. Thinking a out taking out my eSence 130 skimmer to make that part of my sump a refugium.

It will give me plenty of space however I was looking at the CPR hang on refugium would fit next to my sump.

Which would be better? Do I really need a skimmer?

 

[Peach02]

skimmers make life a lot easier so I would keep it. you could plumb an external refugium or convert the ato container

 

[Blitheran]

 

[motownjc]

Do you by chance have a video is how you made it or maybe a guide? Might try it this weekend.

 

[Blitheran]

Do you by chance have a video is how you made it or maybe a guide? Might try it this weekend.

 

[motownjc]

How is it working? Looks really good.

Might have to go to Lowe's and see about doing that this weekend. What did you out in the bottom for it to drain?

 

[Blitheran]

How is it working? Looks really good.

Might have to go to Lowe's and see about doing that this weekend. What did you out in the bottom for it to drain?

I love it. If I were you I would make the inlet drain the same as I did so 1/2 but for the standpipe drain I would make it 1inch. The half inch drain only allows for so much water to flow down. I dont understand the last question but for drilling I just but a 35mm drill bit off of amazon

 

[motownjc]

I love it. If I were you I would make the inlet drain the same as I did so 1/2 but for the standpipe drain I would make it 1inch. The half inch drain only allows for so much water to flow down. I dont understand the last question but for drilling I just but a 35mm drill bit off of amazon

After you drilled the hole for the drain. What did you put in there? Bulkhead or what?

Trying to start a little parts list.

 

[bar|none]

My build thread has another option, dividing the main chamber, using a smaller skimmer and some templates for dividers in the sump. It gives you a much bigger, ie: triton spec fuge area than the ATO. They both have pros and cons. Mine is working well so if it catches your fancy I highly recommend. Great tank!!!

 

[Blitheran]

After you drilled the hole for the drain. What did you put in there? Bulkhead or what?

Trying to start a little parts list.

Ahh yes okay so If I were you here is everything you will need to make this yourself. Or for better I will list out everything I used for this build.

- Kessil h160 ( light and used the provided hooks)
- 2 bulkheads (amazon) I did slip (not the threaded ones).

- 1/2 pvc
- drill bits ( for a half inch bulk head you will need a 32mm drill bit.

- 1/2 inch bulkhead strainer

- cheap amazon 100gph pump to feed the Fuge

 

[motownjc]

Thanks man! I'm gonna try to get this going this weekend!!!

 

[Blitheran]

Thanks man! I'm gonna try to get this going this weekend!!!

Keep me updated!! Drilling is super easy. Just take your time. Make sure you have a constant stream of hose water gushing over where you drill. Many people make templates to hold the drill bit in place but personally I just used my hand and drilling out an edge to start it and then started slow. Take many breaks. Only use the weight of the drill. It will be scarey but you can do it. Make sure if you drill the side of the ato that you support the inside of the glass, I pit a thick piece of wood which I squeezed in so the glass was not being pressured while drilling.

 

[bar|none]

Drilling the ATO won't hurt even if you change course. Go for it!

 

[motownjc]

Keep me updated!! Drilling is super easy. Just take your time. Make sure you have a constant stream of hose water gushing over where you drill. Many people make templates to hold the drill bit in place but personally I just used my hand and drilling out an edge to start it and then started slow. Take many breaks. Only use the weight of the drill. It will be scarey but you can do it. Make sure if you drill the side of the ato that you support the inside of the glass, I pit a thick piece of wood which I squeezed in so the glass was not being pressured while drilling.

Got the Amazon cart ready to roll. I'll let you know when I start doing it. Should be fun.