convert HOT overflow to HOT fuge?

[treesprite]

I'm thinking about converting one of the CPR HOT overflow boxes that I have, into a hang-on refugium for someone - does anyone have any suggestions for how I should go about it?

 

I know I need to block off the hole in the bottom (duh). I suppose I would have to put in a perforated divider for a small powerhead to use as a return from inside of the box.... not sure how big (or little) the powerhead should be. I think in this application one of the deficient aqualifters I have would be ok.

[Brian Ward]

I'm thinking about converting one of the CPR HOT overflow boxes that I have, into a hang-on refugium for someone - does anyone have any suggestions for how I should go about it?

 

I know I need to block off the hole in the bottom (duh). I suppose I would have to put in a perforated divider for a small powerhead to use as a return from inside of the box.... not sure how big (or little) the powerhead should be. I think in this application one of the deficient aqualifters I have would be ok.

 

I would think the intake to the aqualifter would get clogged with either algae or pods. They really need pretty clean water and unobstructed flow to work well (I think). I'm thinking the best way to do it would be to use in a place where someone has a sump but no fuge. Set it up HOB and just slow the flow through the overflow so the algae has time to process the nutrients. Still have it flow into the sump. Although this may not work b/c of the U-tube siphon? I'm not sure that it will adjust the flow through the siphon to accommodate the slower outflow.

 

If going with your first idea, I'd go with a submersible pump with a standard impeller, probably a Rio or MJ 400 or similar. Again, I'd still be concerned that the U-tube siphon would suck water in faster than the pump would pump it out or vice-versa. Some experimentation is definitely necessary to see if the siphon rate will auto-correct for the outflow rate.

[jason the filter freak]

Sell the over flow buy a Aqua Clear Filter and use a tried and true method

[treesprite]

The Aqualifter would be to keep the overflow siphon going that would go into it, not a return... would need a small pump for the return.

 

I had a post to sell both of my overflow boxes, but it only appealed to lowballers when the prices are already cheaper than what I paid for them used. I have an Aquaclear, I know about that mod, but I was thinking this might work better....