Advice on possible setup ideas within given spec's

[Tyger]

I have a 20gal tank existing, and i just picked up another 20 for a sump/refug....I often hear that most systems that have a mech filteration system cause nitrates>>what kind of system could be set up with the other 20 that is good biological filteration(nitrate/phosphate reducing) im also thinking of building a good skimmer from some design on the net.............I guess this is the deal -- Im asking for ideas on what i got.. I have a 2year old 20 gal High with coral/LR/fish/DSB and PC lighting. I now got a stand to hold this tank and another 20 high underneath it for growing macro for nutrient export how best can i set this system up?? How can i make the best natural filteration?? Ideas on this new set up please

 

[rabagley]

I'd simply set up the second tank as a refugium/sump, which sounds close to what you're already planning. Put a corner of acrylic around the drain line and another to prevent the return pump from clogging with algae and have the rest of the tank dedicated to live rock, live sand, and macroalgae.

If you want to add a skimmer in the sump I would hang a HOT model like an Aqua-C Remora off the side of the drain area (you'll need to make the drain area larger so that the skimmer intake pump can sit there and won't get clogged by algae from the refugium area, the skimmer can overflow back into the refugium area).

Good luck,
Ross

 

[fungia]

i like ross' idea a lot. run the second 20g as a refugium under the tank with some sand and macro and use a hangon skimmer because you dont want to skim refugium water.