DIY Sump/Refugium Project

gm333

I finally got the new refugium done the other day and finished the plumbing today, I found two small leaks which will be taken care of tommorrow.
First step was to get the tank and supplies, I decided on a 30gal long tank. This gives me plenty of room for a liverock and macro algae area. Room for my skimmer and an area for the return pump.
Also had to get the glass baffles, I went with 10" for the fuge area and 8" for the return pump area. Also had to get aquarium silicone and tape. I use clear silicone looks a lot better in my opinion.


I taped the first (10") baffle in on one side to do first, I tape the baffle down on one side to hold the baffle still. I also added tape about 1/4" off the edge of the glass, once the silicone is applied you remove the 1/4" strip of tape to give a professional straight apperance.

gm333

On the third baffle it needs to be at least 1" from the bottom to allow flow under the glass. I used PVC pipe as a guide to hold the piece in place.




And of course the finished project.



If you have any questions on the setup just ask?

gm333

The plumbing was a lot more difficult.
I started out planning the plumbing out on paper, this is what I came up with.


So I made a list and here is the pieces I ended up with.


I cut all pieces and dry fitted all of it to make sure everything fit ok. After all the dry fit I marked the pipes so I could put it together without trying to remember where it went. The pvc cement dries quick and you dont have a lot of time to adjust.

gm333

Next I had to take apart sections at a time to clean and glue. I used the purple cleaner and then glued the pieces together. Make sure to keep the pieces aligned after cleaning so you dont get confused as to where they go. Then glue the pieces together. After you have one section done go to the next.

gm333

After all that mess you end up with a good looking setup. Although I did have 2 small leaks they are going to be fixed tomorrow. I added union joints so I can take apart the plumbing without having to totally redo the whole setup and only redoing a small section.






Again if you have any questions feel free to ask.

gm333

Got all the leaks fixed and looks good, although I will have to find a way to cut down the bubbles.

WhoDey

I love the set up gm333! I want to do the same thing when I set up my next tank. I do have lots of questions for you... I really not sure where to start.

-How big is your main tank? Is there a ratio to use for tank size/refugium size?

-Can you explain the water flow a little better for me? I seem to be a little confused. Why does the water flow from the tank to the first and second sections in the 30 gal.? Why wouldn't you just have the water flow into the first chamber and then overflow to the next and so forth? As you can see I dont' know too much about the refugiums!

-Another basic question... Is you tank predrilled? And how does this work exactly? you just have a pipe that comes up from the bottom of your tank that sits above the sand?? Does the water just drain from the main tank down, or do you regulate it somehow?

-Do you need a light for the live rock?

I'll just start with these questions for now. Thanks!

-Nate

trust-e-man

that thing is feaken awsome i love the design

gm333

I love the set up gm333! I want to do the same thing when I set up my next tank. I do have lots of questions for you... I really not sure where to start.

-How big is your main tank? Is there a ratio to use for tank size/refugium size? My main tank is 135gal, I wanted to go with a 40gal breeder refuge but it would mean emptying the tank and refiguring the back brace. In time I might do this but for now I went with one that would fit without adjusting the stand.
-Can you explain the water flow a little better for me? I seem to be a little confused. Why does the water flow from the tank to the first and second sections in the 30 gal.? Why wouldn't you just have the water flow into the first chamber and then overflow to the next and so forth? As you can see I dont' know too much about the refugiums! I have two outlets from the tank, the first section is for the refuge part, you dont want a lot of flow in the this part the macroalgae will not have time to remove nitrates and other with the flow going over it so fast. If you add a valve you can adjust the floe to your liking and the rest of the water will flow to the other outlet.

-Another basic question... Is you tank predrilled? And how does this work exactly? you just have a pipe that comes up from the bottom of your tank that sits above the sand?? Does the water just drain from the main tank down, or do you regulate it somehow? Yes my tank was predrilled, Ihave two overflow chambers in each corner of the tank that allow flow into the chambers. Inside the chambers are Tubes that come up about 3/4 that drain through the bottom of the tank. You cannot drill the bottom of most premade tanks as they are tempered for strength, you will have to drill the backside of pre-made tanks. Here is a pic of the overflow chamber.




-Do you need a light for the live rock? Not for the rock but for the macroalgae you will.

I'll just start with these questions for now. Thanks!


Thanks trust-e-man!

trust-e-man

any time acualy today i just started a refugium for a thirty gallon tall in the refugium is going to be aquatic plants and the thirty gallon is for discus