Refugium reefer170

[Etern1ty]

Hello, I would like to incorporate a refugium for my Reefer170. Currently deciding between two options.
1. Make a new sump with special compartment for fuge-skimmer-return pump and remove the stock ATO(already have optical one anyway connected to the stock one).
2. Just place the chaeto into some kind of filter bag and clip in in the sump before the skimmer. Thanks all for your input

 

[Quietman]

I have a 170 as well and looked at this seriously. I decided not to go with fuge as in my opinion a refugium to fit in ATO (and I've seen that done very nicely), just wasn't enough to make a difference in nutrient export over my carbon dosing (which for a nano is dead easy). Turns out to be very true as I have no nutrient issues.

That said, there are other reasons for fuge (pods) and well, it's a hobby, if you want to have a fuge, have a fuge.

When I was thinking about it (and who knows I still might), I would use stock ATO tank and modify it. Instead of having drain dump into it though since it's elevated, I would have a small pump (sicce micro) and feed it from drain/sock area and overflow (you'll have to drill) to pump section. I was also going to get one of those Tunze submersible lights.

 

[Blitheran]

 

[Etern1ty]

I have a 170 as well and looked at this seriously. I decided not to go with fuge as in my opinion a refugium to fit in ATO (and I've seen that done very nicely), just wasn't enough to make a difference in nutrient export over my carbon dosing (which for a nano is dead easy). Turns out to be very true as I have no nutrient issues.

That said, there are other reasons for fuge (pods) and well, it's a hobby, if you want to have a fuge, have a fuge.

When I was thinking about it (and who knows I still might), I would use stock ATO tank and modify it. Instead of having drain dump into it though since it's elevated, I would have a small pump (sicce micro) and feed it from drain/sock area and overflow (you'll have to drill) to pump section. I was also going to get one of those Tunze submersible lights.

The ATO being only 5 or so liters is too small to make an impact I agree. What do you think about splitting the chamber after the sock with pvc with drilled holes in it and placing the chaeto there?

 

[Quietman]

That can work too, but you're only talking about 2 gallons totals I think. Not sure that's much more of an impact. Workable but what would do about a skimmer?

 

[Etern1ty]

That can work too, but you're only talking about 2 gallons totals I think. Not sure that's much more of an impact. Workable but what would do about a skimmer?

My bubblemagus C3.5 would fit in that new compartment. More like 3 gallons I think, but still nothing crazy. Maybe the best thing is to make a new glass sump for 50$ locally with higher water level which would solve the problem.

 

[adrianr514]

Check out my build thread

 

[Quietman]

Check out my build thread

Nice solution.