Buying a HOB refugium

[EliWhitney314]

Question is do you think a larger one would be too much weight on the back of my tank?

The small one is: Water Capacity: 2.50 Gallons.
Dimensions: 13" L x 4.5" W x 12" T

The medium one is: 19"L x 4.5“W x 12"H. 3.60 Gallons.

 

[bjohanson1234]

I think it would be fine. It is made to be a hang on. If you are worried, you could maybe set up a small self at the height of the bottom ot he HOB fuge and have the weight (why does this word look wrong no matter how I spell it?) taken off the back of the tank

 

[EliWhitney314]

So you think the larger one would be ok? Because it's actually cheaper.

 

[Rcpilot]

How about a link to the 2 HOB you are looking at?

I'm using the CPR large HOB refugium on my 30g tank. I think the refugium capacity is almost 5g. It weighs about 50lbs full of water and sand. It's been hanging off my tank for 2.5yrs. The back glass is bowed, but no signs of splitting seams.

 

[EliWhitney314]

Yeah it's the CPR medium HOB refugium. Yeah and I don't like the sound of that at all. hahaha

I might just get the small one.

 

[Rcpilot]

You talking about the one with the built in skimmer?

Buy an Aquatraders. 1/4 the price and just as good if you don't mind 1 or 2 small modifications. So easy a caveman could do it. :mrgreen:

Small one:
http://shop.aquatraders.com/Hang-On-Refugium-with-Protein-Skimmer-14in-p/43016.htm

Big one:
http://shop.aquatraders.com/Hang-On-Refugium-with-Protein-Skimmer-24in-p/43017.htm

 

[EliWhitney314]

Do you have one of those too?

 

[Rcpilot]

Yes, I have the small one. My only real issue with it - was a loose fitting cup. I glued a couple pieces of plexiglass in there with some super glue. Took up the space around the cup. Skimmer works a LOT better now. 1/2 the bubbles were getting past the cup before.

 

[EliWhitney314]

I'm trying to decide between the two. I'm sure I can find a way to fit a light on it.

 

[Rcpilot]

If you buy the CPR, they actually make a set of acrylic legs and a light to fit. Thats what I am using.

If you buy the Aquatraders, the acrylic legs for the CPR will still fit. Then buy the small PC CPR light and slap it on there. Of just buy a cheap clamp-on light at the big box and use a little 25W appliance bulb. Clamp it on the side and run with it.

 

[EliWhitney314]

good idea

 

[dcantucson]

The other thing about the weight Eli is that it is vertical weight. It's not pulling on your back glass, but rather pushing down on the top of it. I think the weight of either unit would be fine.

 

[EliWhitney314]

Thanks DC that makes me feel better.

 

[EliWhitney314]

I'm going to get this one

http://shop.aquatraders.com/Hang-On-Refugium-with-Protein-Skimmer-14in-p/43016.htm

with this light

CPR Aquatic 18 Watt Refugium Light CPRL1318 - eBay (item 350243380513 end time Dec-20-09 13:47:09 PST)

 

[dcantucson]

That's a good one but the light is kinda expensive isn't it? Do you need something that fancy?

 

[dcantucson]

Why not:

Odyssea Power Compact Lighting

 

[EliWhitney314]

It's going to cost me 150 for the refugium, light, and light stand.

 

[EliWhitney314]

it's too long for my refugium.

 

[EliWhitney314]

That refugium will save me a lot of money. Now I can buy some good test kits, and maybe get a fish next week.

 

[Rcpilot]

This would be perfect for that refugium:
Catalina Aquarium Economy Nano Hood - 1x13 watt

It's a little wide, but I think if you call them - they will do a custom one for you. Ask for Jim. Maybe he can stack the ballast on top to make it thinner? Tell him what you want and ask him if he can make a custom light with some legs or something. Get a plexiglass shield to keep salt creep off the inside of the fixture. If you call Jim and talk to him, he'll usually hook you up pretty good. I've bought 3 light fixtures from these guys and never had a problem. They will make just about anything you want.

Get a 10k light for it. You don't need a 50/50 light for a fuge.