Help with refugium

[reefrunner]

I have a 37 gallon cube tank that has been up and running for about 6 months now. It is doing very well, but I would like to add a refugium to add more over-all volume, and also to give the main tank a cleaner look. I also think that having a refugium is just better over-all for a healthy tank.
I have a 5 gallon tank laying around that I would like to use for this, but I'm not sure how to set it up the right way. Can anyone give me ideas on how to do this, and what I will need as far as additional equipment etc.?
Thanks!

 

[reefrunner]

Hello.....Anyone?

 

[renogaw]

there's TONS of diy posts on how to build refugiums, but i will tell you a 5 gallon will probably be too small to work with. head over to the DIY section

 

[trigger11]

I would agree having a 5 gallon fuge will probably not work very well. A HOB refugium might also be an option for you.
Bare essentials for refugium
1. Overflow system from DT to the fuge.
2. Return pump and plumbing back to the DT
3. Macroalgae plants
4. LR rubble if possible
5. Sand bed if possible
You could make a couple of compartments (baffles) in the fuge or leave it all as one unit. Just have to be careful to put some wire mesh around the pump though so it doesnt get plants on it.

 

[reefrunner]

Originally Posted by renogaw
there's TONS of diy posts on how to build refugiums, but i will tell you a 5 gallon will probably be too small to work with. head over to the DIY section
What is the DIY section??

 

[wigle36]

I got the idea from here. I turned my skilter filter into a small refugium for my tank. It actually works pretty good.

 

[sign guy]

Originally Posted by reefrunner
What is the DIY section??
its a different group of threads here on swf.com. go back to the main page and youll see a foram called equipment and diy

 

[sign guy]

Originally Posted by wigle36
I got the idea from here. I turned my skilter filter into a small refugium for my tank. It actually works pretty good.
but with a 5 gallon ( asuming your using it under the stand) will not give you enough room to add your baffles and still be OK in the event of a power failer