Refugium: Size vs. Clear??

Bryan3536 · 01/31/2018, 07:03 PM

I have a 180g tank, and a slightly undersized but “good” sump that fits my skimmer but has no space for a fuge. I was thinking of solving both problems with a large fuge. Unfortunately I cannot find any decent options with a “standard” sized aquarium - the 40 Breeder just misses (too big one direction, and good luck finding a “standard” Aqueon or Marine Land 38 g.

So, I went to target and got three options: a clear plastic bin that is 27g (and would have to be elevated for a gravity drain to sump), and opaque large storage bins of 40g and 45g.

I am inclined to go with the 45g as it fits snugly but in there, larger capacity, and I could do a gravity drain to the sump. Right move??????

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rocsec1 · 01/31/2018, 08:32 PM

I would go for the largest you can fit in your space.

mcgyvr · 02/01/2018, 05:32 AM

I'd take bin #3 on the right Monty...

cincyjim · 02/01/2018, 05:37 AM

If you have the space go for the biggest you can find.

Bryan3536 · 02/01/2018, 05:49 AM

Thanks folks that’s what I thought. Biggest one “fits” but one of my support posts does push on it a little bit. I think I’m still going with it, though since it won’t be filled to top, but at about 13” or so to gravity drain into my shorter sump.

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Bryan3536 · 02/03/2018, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan3536

Thanks folks that’s what I thought. Biggest one “fits” but one of my support posts does push on it a little bit. I think I’m still going with it, though since it won’t be filled to top, but at about 13” or so to gravity drain into my shorter sump.

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So instead I decided to build my own new sump with an in-line refugium. Got a 75 g last night, cross your fingers.

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JUNBUG361 · 02/03/2018, 08:34 PM

Way better than the rubber maids

billdogg · 02/04/2018, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUNBUG361

Way better than the rubber maids

^^^This^^^

Great choice and it is looking good!

mcgyvr · 02/04/2018, 07:54 AM

Is that glass or acrylic for those baffles?
Looks too thin IMO and I'm crossing my fingers for you that they don't break.. They likely will from what I see here..

on the spot · 02/04/2018, 09:28 AM

they do look thin.

you think they could break though? no pressure to speak of, just dividers?

Bent · 02/04/2018, 09:55 AM

Looks like acrylic to me.

**Squint**

I need to do something like this and take my stock tank out.

Bryan3536 · 02/08/2018, 07:01 PM

It’s glass, feels plenty wide, keep in mind that is a 75g tank.

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01/31/2018, 07:03 PM	#1
Bryan3536 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 50	Refugium: Size vs. Clear?? I have a 180g tank, and a slightly undersized but “good” sump that fits my skimmer but has no space for a fuge. I was thinking of solving both problems with a large fuge. Unfortunately I cannot find any decent options with a “standard” sized aquarium - the 40 Breeder just misses (too big one direction, and good luck finding a “standard” Aqueon or Marine Land 38 g. So, I went to target and got three options: a clear plastic bin that is 27g (and would have to be elevated for a gravity drain to sump), and opaque large storage bins of 40g and 45g. I am inclined to go with the 45g as it fits snugly but in there, larger capacity, and I could do a gravity drain to the sump. Right move?????? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

02/01/2018, 05:37 AM	#4
cincyjim Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,147	If you have the space go for the biggest you can find. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: SCA 150G, 5 inch sand bed, 2 Tunze 6095s, ReefBreeders v2+ 50" with 2 all Blue Reefbrites, and Continuous Water Change System

02/04/2018, 07:54 AM	#9
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Is that glass or acrylic for those baffles? Looks too thin IMO and I'm crossing my fingers for you that they don't break.. They likely will from what I see here.. __________________ Who me?

02/04/2018, 09:55 AM	#11
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	Looks like acrylic to me. Squint I need to do something like this and take my stock tank out. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump Last edited by Bent; 02/04/2018 at 10:02 AM.

01/31/2018, 08:32 PM	#2
rocsec1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Medina oh Posts: 1,782	I would go for the largest you can fit in your space.

02/01/2018, 05:32 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I'd take bin #3 on the right Monty... __________________ Who me?

02/01/2018, 05:49 AM	#5
Bryan3536 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 50	Thanks folks that’s what I thought. Biggest one “fits” but one of my support posts does push on it a little bit. I think I’m still going with it, though since it won’t be filled to top, but at about 13” or so to gravity drain into my shorter sump. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

02/03/2018, 08:34 PM	#7
JUNBUG361 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Antioch,CALIFORNIA Posts: 1,091	Way better than the rubber maids

02/04/2018, 09:28 AM	#10
on the spot Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,010	they do look thin. you think they could break though? no pressure to speak of, just dividers?

02/08/2018, 07:01 PM	#12
Bryan3536 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 50	It’s glass, feels plenty wide, keep in mind that is a 75g tank. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk