Refugium instead of skimmer

[Mandi_lou13]

Hey everyone!! Needed some advice on my current sump. Right now it has 3 chambers and it’s an 80g with a 20g sump.

1st-filtersock
2nd-skimmer
3rd- return pump

I want to change the skimmer to a refugium instead but I’m not sure the baffling is okay to do this. Any advice is welcomed!

 

[dank reefer]

Welcome to R2R!

if you can add some filter media in between the center chambers and return chambers baffles, I don't see what you couldn't run a fuge.

 

[najer]

Welcome to R2R, your issue would be the left weir under to the return section will get blocked with macro so you would need to make a guard to keep the algae back.
You could reverse the sump (I stand to be corrected on this) or add a baffle on the left to flow over and then under.

 

[YankeeTankee]

Keep the skimmer, there's room in there for a small fuge, just try to limit the amount of light that escapes the fuge.

 

[Ippyroy]

I removed my socks and made that area a fuge. Once the chaeto grows out it will filter the same as a soks but you don't have to wash it.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

i don’t see why you want to get rid of the skimmer for a fuge. The skimmer will take out excess waste and chemicals that a fuge will not. Skimmers also will take out toxins. I would keep the skimmer and find space for a fuge if you really want one. A fuge really only harbors pods and removes some nutrients. The skimmer is more important imo because it aerates the water raising the ph. Taking the socks out for a fuge is a good idea. You could also cut the skimmer section in half for a fuge.

 

[Ippyroy]

^^Exactly this. Keep a few snails in with the chaeto to help eat the food and detritus that will collect in the fuge. Socks are not good if you don't replace and clean constantly. Chaeto works as a great filter and lowers nutrients.

 

[Mandi_lou13]

Thanks for the advice. How often have you all had to clean ur sock? In that pic we cleaned it Friday and that was Sunday, so maybe two days and it’s already crazy dirty.

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Welcome to R2R. Another option, which I’m pursuing is a display fuge that’s separate from your sump. Or maybe not a “display” fuge, but you could certainly plumb in another container for a fuge. Also, I don’t remember where to get them, but the podcast I listen to (reef news network) has mentioned and recommended media baskets as good sock replacements. If I understand it correctly they just fit into the holes where your filter socks normally go

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Thanks for the advice. How often have you all had to clean ur sock? In that pic we cleaned it Friday and that was Sunday, so maybe two days and it’s already crazy dirty.

Every day. As for the filter cups, you can get them just about anywhere. Red Sea, ice cap, and brs all make them. They also make HOB fuges.