45 gal sump mod

[sharkdude]

45 gal sump mod

I want to convert my friends old 45 gal acrylic into a sump/refugium.
In an effort to limit water flow through refugium as well as not have critters
have to go through skimmer, I have come up with the following
configuration with the main return from a middle compartment rather than
on an end as seems to be the more traditional layout.

critical comments appreciated.

 

[Mike&Pam]

I have a question for you. What exactly is a sump refugium? By the way, I saw your pics on webshots. You have a really nice reef aquarium.

 

[sharkdude]

Hey, thanks for the compliments!

A sump/refugium is combination sump and refugium with one container performing both functions.
Lots of info on benefits and function of refugium if you search.

 

[Mike&Pam]

I have an extra pc ballast that I was considering adding to supplement the lighting. It will only have on pc bulb since the other socket blew out. Therefore, this would contribute an extra 96 watts. Is this a good idea? Will it contribute to the well-being of corals? Of course I would have to monitor the temperature to make sure it doesn't get too hot in there.

 

[sharkdude]

Mike&Pam,
I assume your talking about supplemental lighting for a refugium under your stand?

Yes, a refugium will greatly benefit your system.

I'm not sure but I think if your ballast is for two bulbs, running only one bulb may cause problems with the ballast.

 

[Roach]

On my 20 G long sump I put a piece of plexiglass length wise, down the middle. I then cut a notch in the end farthes form the tank drain. My skimmer sits in the first section, right by the tank drain. Then there is a baffle seperating the the last portion of the tank. Here is where I put my sandbed and macro algae. There is another baffle so none of the sand gets sucked into the return pump. In this section sits my heater and top off line, then my return pump. It has really worked well so far. Maybe when I get home I will post a pic of it

 

[sharkdude]

a picture would be great Roach as I am having difficulty visualizing your configuration.