Refugium Owners Q

[mal]

Is there any reason I couldn't make a "hang IN" refugium in my existing sump? My idea is to clamp a tupperware type container on the side, fill with ls, rubble rock and macro, and have it at the water line. I would then drill holes above the level of ls and rubble so water could circulate through it. All while it is inside the sump. That way I don't have to buy more pumps or worry about room in the back for hanging outside, or making something more indepth next to my sump and having to plumb it all together. Just curious.

 

[johnnysalt]

Hey Mal,
what's going to MAKE the water circulate through it? I don't see much success without water being forced to enter and exit...it might look right in your mind, but I don't think it'll work like that. Here's what you can do: Get a cheap powerhead to pull the water out (if you still want to have the open top at the water line) from the hole above the ls/lr. Wait a minute, if you have the top RIGHT AT the water line, think how about how often you're gonna have to add top off water to your sump just to keep water going through your refugium!!! That's a nightmare waiting to be created! Don't do it....look at my diagram (link below) and email me if you want some more ideas!
Just trying to help ya!

 

[ironreef]

Sure it will work. thats what the holes are for. pods will grow anywhere. just put food in there every so often. What you may do is go buy eggcreate= for lighting? You know? Get some platic electrical wiring ties, pvc glue. Cut the create ust the ties in the corner and glue the seams. This way you get alot of flow but you may need a hang on??? I would buy some acylic cheap stuff and solvent and make one. It would be nicer and stronger than a rubber maid IMO. it souldn't cost that much but the rubber maid should be okay also.

 

[mal]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm gonna give it a shot. What the worst can happen, I have a tub with hole in it? Johnny, I like your idea of a combo, but if I did that I may as well build a whole new sump, that is what I'm trying to avoid. I already have an open top sump with a fan blowing on it to keep the temp constant. I top off between a quarter to a half gallon per day depending on how hot it is outside. This is no problem. We have a well. No additives or preservatives. Ironreef, will a regular flo light work for the macro? I'm thinking I will run that light opposite the tank lights.

 

[ironreef]

I use a 25w pc twist light bulb= suppose to be the same as a 100w i have it over a ten gal and it grows like made= caulerpa. It gets supplement feeding from the nutrient in the water . if its not enough add another but it probally is.It may take a mo or so to take of sometimes its slow

 

[mal]

Thanks for the replies Guys!

 

[jonthefb]

Just an interesting side note. If you have a refugium with a light on it you need the light to remain on 24 hours. I read about this and spoke with my college professors because i have just a refugium filtering my 135 gallon tank and it works wonders. The reason you want the light on 24 hours a day is that if the light goes off, the plants then begin to go through their sexual reproduction phase, of which the end product is microscopic spores, that will be pumped through the rest of your tank. These spores could land on rock and what not and could cause a huge algae bloom, something not needed in an established reef tank. By leavign the light on 24 hours a day and never turning it off, the plants in your refugium only grow bigger, and longer, and never go through sexual reproduction! Just an interesting little fact, hope it may help!
jon

 

[ironreef]

They may go sexual. but if you harvest them =less likely. If you have the fern type name I forget they do more often. If you have grape types = less likely IME. I've had caulerpa and never had them go sexual. Lights are on only for 12hrs. reason = save power.