Building a fuge...questions

[Djbetterly]

I want to put a fuge in my sump but have a few questions. Due to space constraints I plan on using the first six inches of the sump where the overflow empties into the sump. With that in mind, here are my questions:

1. Seeing that fuge's like dirty water, should I eliminate the filter sock?

2. What is the best way to increase flow through a fuge, I suspect the overflow will not be enough by itself. (I do have a line that comes off my return line that returns to the fuge to balance the flow - could I use that?)

3. Does the fuge need to have sand?

Any other advice?

 

[Nandez13]

I want to put a fuge in my sump but have a few questions. Due to space constraints I plan on using the first six inches of the sump where the overflow empties into the sump. With that in mind, here are my questions:

1. Seeing that fuge's like dirty water, should I eliminate the filter sock?

2. What is the best way to increase flow through a fuge, I suspect the overflow will not be enough by itself. (I do have a line that comes off my return line that returns to the fuge to balance the flow - could I use that?)

3. Does the fuge need to have sand?

Any other advice?

The fuge does not need to have sand in it. What is your desired outcome of having a refugium? If it makes up a small percentage of your system volume,then it won't make much of a contribution to reducing nutrients in your tank. Mine makes up about 15-20% of my system volume and even then I think I'm on the low end of making a difference.

I don't keep a filter sock on my fuge so that a bit of detritus can build up to feed pods there. You don't wanna let too much build up there or else it may negate its purpose.

 

[Djbetterly]

Mostly I want to have a place for pods, but I figure it can't hurt to have some chaeto or other macro in there as well.

The fuge would end up being around 10% of the total volume.

 

[Cu455]

If you want to increase flow get a more powerful return pump. Your overflow rate will be the same as you return pump flow.

Macros will be great for nutrient export and to provide pods a home and food.

I would use a filter sock. If you have dirty water in your sump it will eventually end up back in your tank. You also don't have to worry about cleaning the sump as often. If you rinse the sock often you will get rid of a lot of waste before it decays.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

In a true refugium you want very slow flow. If you have room I'd just add another tank onto the system.

You can drill it at both ends, have it slightly higher than the sump and have a small pump supply it with nice slow flow and have it trickle back into your sump. That way all the delicate creatures will flourish and the macros and sandbed(if you do one) can benefit the system more.

I'm a believer in a deep sand bed and macros but you don't have to have a sandbed.

Good luck.

 

[Djbetterly]

Thanks CU,

I was thinking of using small rubble in the bottom instead of sand, and then putting the macro's on top of that unless you firmly believe sand will be better.

Any suggestions on macros?

Also, where to get macros?

Jimmy, your idea is ideal, however given my space constraints in a one bedroom apartment, I prefer to keep everything more hidden, hence putting it in the sump. I appreciate your response and advise though.