Refugium Questions

[arvin]

Hi all,

I need your learned opinion on building a diy refugium. I am thinking of using a Rubbermaid 20-25 gallon tub for this purpose. The refugium is going to be hooked into my basement sump, by drawing water from the overflow and throw water into the Sump return area. My display tank is a 72 gallon bowfront with a 2-3 inches dsb. What are the chief considerations that I should have?

Any issues that anyone foresees in using a Rubbermaid. Is 20-25 an adequate size? Is it ok to have a dsb in both the refugium and the display tank?

 

[kabal2]

you can use one of those rubbermaid, and if you going to put it in the basement and you have the space, just make it bigger, and for what i know is not a problem with having 2 dsb, in a tank, what some people does is having a remote dsb

Gabe

 

[arvin]

I found a rubbermaid that is 37 gallons. I agree, that being in the basement, the space is not the issue. With rubbermaids, the bigger ones share pretty much the same foot prints, so that is not a problem at all. But my concern is how big is big enough? Especially since the rubbermaids are not meant to store water, I am afraid if I go too big, the tubs may start bulge and lose stability.

 

[Marcelog]

You could always put two or three of the same size rubbermaids (one inside the other) to help reduce any bulging. You an also put smaller tubs inside the larger ones to help reduce bubbles, and act as compartments/baffles. You can also cut the top so that it ends up being similar to euro-bracing that you see on acrylic tanks.

Marcelo -

 

[RevClyburn]

Sounds like a great idea,

maybe I'll try that, been wanting to build a sump, with a refugium. Does anyone
have a pic of this type of sump/refugium?

rev

 

[kabal2]

btw why you don't get a big undrilled tank, they are cheaper when they are not reef ready

 

[Marcelog]

I'll see if I can remember to take a few pics tonight.

Marcelo -

 

[arvin]

You could always put two or three of the same size rubbermaids (one inside the other) to help reduce any bulging. You an also put smaller tubs inside the larger ones to help reduce bubbles, and act as compartments/baffles. You can also cut the top so that it ends up being similar to euro-bracing that you see on acrylic tanks.

These are fantastic ideas! I am going to try a few of these. Looking forward to see some of your pictures

 

[arvin]

btw why you don't get a big undrilled tank, they are cheaper when they are not reef ready

How cheaper can they get? It is not going to beat $10-12 for 60-70 gallons which is what a rubbermaid tub costs. The tanks are expensive especially when you are looking for one. I thought I'll go with rubbermaids for now, and in future when I find the right size tank, I can always switch it, while keeping the remaining setup intact.

 

[arvin]

How can I drill a Rubbermaid? I dont have a dremel. Can I use the regular spade bit to make a hole for bulkhead?

The bulkheads - Should the thread be inside the tank or outside? Sorry first time...

 

[JohnS_323]

Yeah, you could use regular spade bits and go with the threads on the outside.

 

[arvin]

Can I use a reef ready tank as an refugium?

 

[Brian]

You sure can!

 

[arvin]

I just bought a 75 gallon reef ready for real cheap. ;D
I cannot believe my refugium is going to be bigger than my display.

 

[TripsieD]

There's a guy I heard about (from a reliable source) that has a 24 gallon AquaPod with a 180 sump!!! The Pod is beyond amazing!

Tom