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Hammerhead76
05/24/2013, 05:46 PM
I have a 34 gallon with a yellow tang and 3 chromis. I have a 55 gallon I'm starting to set up so the tang can have room to swim. I want to use the 34 as a refugium. I have no good idea on how to get the 2 together that is safe for the fish and corals.

bnumair
05/24/2013, 05:55 PM
i admire ur efforts but unfortunately even a 55 is small for a tang. if possible go bigger than a 90g. regarding how to get them plumbed together.
u let the big tank overflow into the small tank. which will have a return pump pumping water back to main tank.

oscarinw
05/24/2013, 05:57 PM
Hello Hammerhead,
You have 2 major options:

1. Drill the tank and add an outside overflow such as this: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/catalog/product/view/id/1995/

OR

2. Use an over-the-top overflow box such as this one over here:
http://www.marinedepot.com/CPR_CS_Overflow_Boxes_External_Overflow_Boxes_for_Aquariums-CPR-CR1511-FIOFEB-vi.html

Once attached and plumbed it will have to be drained to your sump. Ideally you want to have different (at least 3) compartments in the sump so you can maximize the volume and usage of your sump. These guys have a couple of good pictures of the tank divided into 3. It is my guess yours is about the same size:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/saltwater-aquarium-equipment/building-sump-13923/
Then, the overflow or excess gets 'returned' to your main tank via a pump...

If you are worried about what to do with the fish while you are working on the tanks, I would try to add a hang on filter to your drilled new 55 and keep the water level under the overflow holes. Put all your livestock at once there and then start working on the sump's baffles etc.
Your fish will be fine with the hang-on filter for a good while...

Good luck with the project and all things tanking...

Hammerhead76
05/24/2013, 06:25 PM
I have the tanks about 6 inchs a part and the 34 is about 1/4 inch lower then 55. Is it possible to make a syphon from 1 tank to the other and use a pump to go back to other? And at what rate would I start mixing the 2 tanks water so I can move the fish and coral?

BlindZide
05/25/2013, 05:02 AM
So you have the tanks side by side? I don't think 1/4" lower than the 55 is going to create a good siphon....or no siphon at all for that matter. Is there a way you can fit the 34g under the 55 or at least on the floor next to it? I am new as well just tossing ideas from what I have read around here.

Edit: I also think with them being side by side so close is going to be a little difficult getting the water returned to the 55g. And if you do get it going it would be an eye sore.