Fuge Size

[SnowManSnow]

Hey,

I think my next undertaking, after good lighting, and filtration, is going to be to set up a decent fuge. My question is this though.. most of the fuges I see are VERY SMALL.. like 12X4 deep or somthing like that.... Is that enough space to do what needs to be done? My tank is a 37g reef... what size should I shoot for?


Thanks,

B.

 

[Anonymous]

I assume you are looking at a HOT fuge...are you looking to buy, or make? If you're handy and looking to make, perhaps take a look at some of the on-line places selling them for ideas. In any case, bigger is better, imho.

 

[Anonymous]

Bigger the better for fuges. especially when you did not start the tank with plant life. Takes more space, time, and plant life to catch up.

My 55g in tank fuge is 4'x20"x3" and is lit by 4' NO 6" from the start of the fuge.

I have also hear that external fuges should be about 30-40% of the display volumn. I know my little 5-8g external fuge did not bring nitrates down to 0.0 for instance.

So for a ~35g display a good choice would be a 10-20 continer. I got a 15g plastic container from the dollar store for $5. That might be good choice.

You could also DIY a HOB using acrylic from home depot. They cur the acrylic to my specifications for no extra charge.

 

[Anonymous]

In this particular instance, I am in agreement with beaslbob. I am thinking 10 - 20 gal fuge for ya. plumb it in above the grade of the main tank if you can so that your return is gravity rather than pumped. Don't listen to those yo-yos at the LFS when they try and sell you caulpera for it either. Get some Cheatomorpha (sp?) or some Graciloma (sp?) for it. I got extra for tradin' if'n ya needs it.

 

[Reefer2]

Can you add a fuge if your tank isn't drilled?? I have a 72 g bow front with two CPR bak pak skimmers??

 

[Anonymous]

Reefer2, some people put a fuge above their tank, on a shelf or something.

That is one way you don't need to have a drilled tank, you can have a small pump in your tank pump water up the the fuge, then it will drain back down into your tank.

Of course putting a fuge above your tank can take some creativity!

 

[SnowManSnow]

<-- I've got to figure how to do it (put one ABOVE My tank that is) and have it look good... as the tank is in the living room beside the tv. The difficult part is that the tank is in a corner (not a corner tank) So I've kind of got a triangle created by the back of the tank and the corner to work with. Also the shelf would have to really be strong.... doesnt a 10 gallon tank weigh around 85 lbs? I guess i could do it if I were to hit studs.

Does anyone have pics of "above tank" fuges?

 

[Entacmaea]

I definitely would put it above the tank if you can, but remember only the water line needs to be above the main tank water line for gravity feed. So you could put a tank in the triangle space behind your tank and have the water level be above your main tank's, but it still be hidden by the (presumable higher)hood for your main tank. 15 gallon high, or All-Glass's 15 gallon "designer", which is 13" by 13" by 26" high, would do nicely if it fits...