Combine Refuge & Sump?

[dankolle]

Hey guys i have a space issue w/ my aquarium. It is in my office so i need to keep everything under the tank in it's nice cabinet...so can I combine my sump and create a refuge? All i want to do is put in a grow light and keep some cheato down there...it won't be used for anything else.

 

[Wes888]

The refuge usually have slower flow to allow the DSP to develop and let the critters having a nice and quiet home. But if you just want to have some chaeto to use up some nutrient, it is fine.

 

[swninja]

i don't know the dimensions of your cabinet, but mines 48" by 12" for a 55 gal and that was enough for me to fit two tens underneath, one for a sump and one for a fuge, the sumps a little small, but it serves the purpose. fits the skimmer and go's about two days without a top off

 

[Bifferwine]

You can have them in the same tank. Just silicone in a sheet of plexiglass as a baffle to keep the sand out of your pump.

 

[dankolle]

Ok I'll try that. Thanks - now my other question, might need a new thread, but i'll just put it here for space sake.

How do I link up two sumps? Do I need two overflow boxes, or can I link them between eachother with a PVC or something? I want to make sure I don't overflow or underflow either one. Has anyone done this to gain more water volume?

 

[Wes888]

I used to use siphon between my sump and refuge. After the pipe clogged once and gave me a good flood, I had enough. I now drilled the refuge and raised it a little and have the water overflow into the sump.

 

[dcantucson]

+1 Wes

 

[dankolle]

ok, here is what im thinking based on above:

Tank Overflow -> Sump
Sump Overflow -> Refuge
Refuge Return Pump -> Tank

will it work?

 

[Wes888]

The more ideal case would have the tank overflow to both sump and refuge and the sump as the last stop:

Tank Overflow -> Sump
Tank Overflow -> Refuge (but with slower flow)
Refuge -> Sump
Sump Return Pump -> Tank

 

[dankolle]

ok, so if I just put a "Y" connector on the overflow from the tank and then a valve to restrict the flow to the refuge, then drill the refuge and port it to the sump...got it! Weekend project here we come!

 

[Wes888]

yeap. sounds like a plan! :)

 

[dankolle]

awesome! thanks...what do you think my flow through the refuge should be? My sump is 600GPH, should I be shooting for 100 or so?

 

[Wes888]

I believe as long as it doesn't kick up the sand, you'll be ok.

 

[Daddyoh]

Cheato ???????????

How much Cheato is enough ? we have been cultivating it since Dec. in our fuge and it's doing very very well. We were considering weeding it out to create more room but is this a good idea, or is the process growing better for nit. reductions, thus weed some out. If any one needs some will send it if you pay for shipping.

 

[dankolle]

I would be interested in some...shipping to 49684?

 

[Bifferwine]

You need to trim it back once in a while. When you cut it back and get rid of some of it, you get rid of the nutrients that it has been sequestering.

 

[project5k]

yea, i'd be interested, shipping to 78155?