ideal refugium size for 125 ??? advice ??

ilovemytank

Member
I want a refugium for my 125 but can't figure out a few things. I'm a strong believer in more filteration than necessary but in this case I don't have any more room under my tank stand. How large of a refugium "rock and algea space" makes is good ? I don't want a hang on back b/c I'd have to cut into the canopy. My tank is predrilled with two down hoses. They are currently connected to my wet/dry. I have two canisters under mine two. the in tank refugiums look like they are too small. Would I benefit on moving the two canisters, putting in a sump refugium and hook it up with one of the two hoses that currently going to my wet/dry ? Are they worth it ? Any advice, please HELP !!!!!
 

ilovemytank

Member
I just had an amazing idea ! What if I put the agea inthe main sump areaof my wet/dry intolarge fine mesh media bagss . That whay they can be contained and not stop up my return pumps. Well ?????
 

maxalmon

Active Member
I'd actually convert the wet/dry or change it over to a fuge....I value the benefits of a fuge over a wet/dry anyday of the week....Nice thing is that you can buy a cheap tank, then cut all the ******** walls (or have LHS do them for .50 a cut) and then design a fuge that fits your needs and still maintain water quality....I typically use 55g tanks for my fuge, measure how much space I need for my pumps and design around that.
 

mr_x

Active Member
i just partitioned a 55 for a sump with refugium also. it's got a decent footprint for that.
also look into a 30 or 40 breeder. excellent tanks for sumps.
putting macroalgae in bags isn't a good idea. the light and water needs to get through. it's like putting a bag of carbon in your sump- it's not not effective like forcing water through it is.
 

ilovemytank

Member
Ok, so I love the idea of a 55 gallon tank underneath to create a refugium. The question is how do you get it under the tank thats full ? Is it possible to remove the center wood beam that my doors are attached to and put it back ? I guess what I'm saying is it a load bearing support ? I also could toy with turning the wet/dry into it. All the pictures I've seen of refugiums have the two acrylic diveders before the return pumps. I assume those are to prevent all the algea from covering and being sucked into the return pumps. Do you go somewhere like home depot and get those, cut them and glue them into place ? My worst skill is building stuff, do I have a shot ?
 

mr_x

Active Member
home depot sells plexi sheets. i found them to be very flimsy. i have used plastic cutting boards that i purchased at walmart, successfully. i founf them to be very cheap, strong, and easy to work with.
i just did this 55 in the pic with some cutting boards and aquarium silicone-
 

crush4989

Member
I would go as big as you could fit... Get rid of the canister filters and use a well designed sump/fuge. It will do everthing that you need to filter your tank. here is a pic of my 75gal sump/fuge located in my basement.
 

ilovemytank

Member
Curious question, Do you need that phospahte reactor ? Doesn't the algea keep the phophate down ? I recently unhooked mine. The media was too expensive and I really didn't need it. I would love to hear if you are acually using that one. Also what type of skimmer was that ?
 
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