Need help adding Live Rock or Refugium

[redspot321]

Hey reefers,

I have a 125 FO system that I would like to add to. My Nitrates are always elevated in the 40-80 range and a couple of my fish are showing signs of stress.

The problem. I do not have enough biological filtration.
The solution. I want to add a Fuge and an additional 50lbs of LR but NOT in the main Display.

This is the tank I like the clean look and do not want to add anything to the main display.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v683/redspot321/3-1.jpg


Heres what I have under the tank
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v683/redspot321/Sump.jpg


How can I modify this basic wet/dry or add a fuge? I have a custom cabinet with small doors so I dont think changing out the wet dry is an option. I need to add to the system.

THANKS for your help!!

[mx36]

Do you have room to add a small aquarium next to the current sump? If so you can make a small refugium next to it. That is what I did with mine. I put a tee in on of the overflow lines and ran it to the refugium and the drilled a hole towards the top of the refugium and had it gravity feed back into the sump.

[redspot321]

Would this addition of an acrylic tank or tupperware via 1.5" bulkhead work?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v683/redspot321/Sump-1.jpg

[woodycb]

What are the dimensions of your sump, you could pile up the rock on one end leaving a little space for some macro algae. The numbers for your nitrates are pretty high, how often are you doing water changes and how often do you feed.

[mx36]

Would this addition of an acrylic tank or tupperware via 1.5" bulkhead work?

That would probably work, but if it was me I would try and raise the refugium a little. Then tee off of your drain line from the display tank and have it feed both the sump and fuge. Then put a bulkhead on the other side of the refugium and have it gravity feed into the main sump. With that methond you don't have to worry about the pump failing or the added heat in the system.