cheato in refugium

[skeeter_ca]

How do you attach cheato in the refugium. Does it attach to LR or does it just float in the water. If it floats what's to keep it from plugging up the overflow to the sump.

[PatMayo]

It should just float in the water. I am told it's best if it tumbles somewhat. This will keep dietrus and other garbage from getting stuck in it and causing pollution problems. Some people use screens, some use use foam (I do and replace it weekly) some have a divider that the water goes over or a bubble trap.

Regards,

Pat

[mg426]

Pats on it either way will work

[PatMayo]

I am still trying to get mine to move. It just sits there. I can do it one of 2 ways the way I see it. Put a powerhead in the portion where the cheato is or get a more powerful return pump.

I don't know how a larget return will affect my tank. I have the 90 AGA Megaflow, only so much water will drain into the tank I am afraid if I go to the mag 9 I will be returning too much water to the tank. Can anyone help me with this?

My gut tells me that it will work. I think it is an 1 1/2 drain size. Won't this allow enough drain into the tank to use a Mag 9?

Regards,

Pat

[Siklid]

a 1 inch drain will handle the mag 9, i have 2 1" drains on a mag 24

[mg426]

No worries there Pat , I have a 1. 125 drain on a MAG 9. Works fine. I dont think you will get more than say 700 gallons at a 4ft head anyway.

[PatMayo]

Thanks guys. It is a 4 ft. head almost exactly. I think I will do that. I have heard that you don't want the flow too fast through the sump. I keep Chemi-Pure in the sump along with some Rawaphos for Phospate control. Do you think because the flow is quicker through the sump that the dwell time through the Chemi-pure and Rowaphos wil decrease it's effectivness to a great degree?

Regards,

Pat

[mg426]

A Mag 9 is mighty stout in a 90 sumo. Id say around 7 times tank volume turnover @ 4 ft. My mag 9 is in a 125 @ 4ft. I ran mine through the calculater and came up with 600 gal/hr, So I am @ around 5 times tank volume/hr.