Refugium info needed

[femmeartist51]

I was wondering what I can make one out of a refugium. I assume it is a holding tank that one puts in live plants that are sw appropriate plants. Can one make one easily// You pump water in and then out of the refugium. I did this with my koi pond. The water flowed out over a spillway down into an area with lots of plants. So I assume that a ref is the same idea. Any ideas. I do not have a drilled tank, so that is a consideration for sure. Can I put plants in my trickle filter??? Thanks for info

 

[beaslbob]

One easy thing to do is just partition the tank with a 1/4" square plastic grid (eggcrate). On my 55g I just cramed it in about 3" in front of the back glass. Then added 2 2-tube 4' utility fixtures 6" behind the tank pointing forward.
So macro algaes (caulerpa and chaeto) thrived in the area between the back glass. And pods expanded also.
the fish and rocks were in front of that and the tangs enjoyed grazing on the macros that poked through the egg crate.
nitrates dropped to unmeasureable levels in 3 weeks (from 80-160ppm), phosphates a few months later.
If I think about it that is kinda an in tank equilivant of your pond's plant filter.
If you have to go external then build an overflow from pvc pipe and use plastic storage containers. I did that also.
external refugium/sumps do have the possibility of floods but with proper adjustments that is minimum. but the sensitivity of sumps to water levels made it "touchy" if I went on vacation more then 2-3 days or so. The in tank had no such problems.

 

[femmeartist51]

Great idea. One question well 2 actually. Where did you find the egg crate and why do you need the 2 2-tube 4' utility fixtures 6 " facing forward. So u used 2 (two 2-tube 4 foot) How would that fit if you are only putting that 3" from back of tank. I am confused of course. I figured when I find the egg crates I can just put it like yous aid 3" from the back of the tank. Isn't that enough?? Wish I could see a picture of it. Or if someone has a picture of one made please post it thanks again. I know the benefits of water running through plants. Will surely filter out my tank. Thanks again