Refugium that over flows back to main tank??

[Mikey Mane The Flare]

Hello. So first I’ll explain my pickle lol. I have a 55g non drilled Tank set up reef inside whole nine yards. I don’t feel like move into our new tank yet cause we will be moving soon and also it’s not ready yet lol.

So I just thinking, why can’t I just make a sump/ refugium out of my extra 29g and set it a few inches above the tank? Not really into over flow box’s cause I won’t need one on the new tank. Just a DIY idea any thoughts?

 

[mike werner]

Hello. So first I’ll explain my pickle lol. I have a 55g non drilled Tank set up reef inside whole nine yards. I don’t feel like move into our new tank yet cause we will be moving soon and also it’s not ready yet lol.

So I just thinking, why can’t I just make a sump/ refugium out of my extra 29g and set it a few inches above the tank? Not really into over flow box’s cause I won’t need one on the new tank. Just a DIY idea any thoughts?

i'm not sure i'm understanding your concept.can you provide some more info?maybe some pictures or a diagram.

 

[Mikey Mane The Flare]

i'm not sure i'm understanding your concept.can you provide some more info?maybe some pictures or a diagram.

Basically I’d have a refugium setting right next to my tank. But like two or three inches taller than the 55. I could use a pretty small pump in my tank to pump into the refugium/sump then over flow back into the 55. I’ll try to draw something out tomorrow

 

[Clownmaniowa]

Following this post

 

[McPikie]

You mean like this?

 

[Mikey Mane The Flare]

You mean like this?

This is what I was thinking about! Thanks for the pic! Is this your system?

 

[McPikie]

This is what I was thinking about! Thanks for the pic! Is this your system?

No dude, but I kinda had an idea what you meant. The issue would be regulating the flow between the two. I'd advise having the refugium higher and letting gravity drain it back to the display. You can pump up into the fuge and have a ball valve on the outlet to balance

 

[beaslbob]

Yes you can.

and you certainly don't have to use another tank as any container can work as well.

You would have to devise on overflow just like when the tank is above the refugium. Simple pvc type would be inexpensive.

You still do have to adjust to insure no floods. To make sure the tank and higher refugium don't flood.

One advantage is pods from the refugium don't get chopped up by the pump when returning to the tank.

The water level will now change in the tank not the refugium just like they change in the refugium when it is below the tank.

For what it's worth and a really technical nerdy thing, the display is now the sump. The sump is defined as the lowest container in the system.

With an in tank refugium and tank below the other container, the tank then becomes a refugium, sump, and display. LOL

my .02

 

[Mikey Mane The Flare]

Thanks guys. I think I might build a stand and get some glass cut! found a lot of good videos on YouTube after searching “above tank sump” I’m not the only person who doesn’t mind having a display Refugium lol I think the critters are cool and like the idea of them being overflowed to the tank rather than pumped!

 

[JeepTj]

pic didnt work..

 

[JeepTj]

tank, sump,refuge,gravity to tank ... refuge all glass,custom made , the refuge is anchored the the ceiling and wall , (wasn't done yet in picture) supported that way rather then full weight on top of tank (15 gal water, before live rock/sand/rubble etc.. added ) i do have it split on the return so some goes back to tank and flow in refuge is lower, but the cheato is growing like weeds now so..lol

 

[Billdogg]

There is no reason in the world your idea won't work as long as the pump in the DT doesn't push more water than the drain back from the refugium can handle.