Refugium in drain chamber??

[GOSKN5]

I want to incorporate a refugium in my sump, for the benefits and because I think it's cool ...

 

My sump is very simple, one drain into filter sock in first chamber, one baffle followed by skimmer and return pump in a shared chamber.

 

Any reason I cannot make the first chamber where the return empties the refugium? It has a large filter sock hanging in it which isn't ideal, but does reduce flow nicely into that chamber.

 

Will the light hitting the sock have any effect? I change it twice a week and clean anyway.... thoughts?

 

pic of sump for reference.. (flows left to right)..

 

[khh27]

Can you scoot your protein skimmer closer to your return pump and add another baffle to make 3 Chambers

 

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[Jon Lazar]

I don't see any problems doing what you describe.  You may see some nuisance algae growth in other parts of your sump, skimmer, and tubing.

 

I don't think you'll see any benefits, though, from having so small a refugium.

 

If you want a fun refugium, I would try to do a 10g or 20g display refugium near your reef display tank.  Essentially it's a second tank with a second return pump, and drains into your existing sump.  It would be more functional, more interesting, and more comfortable to observe.

[GOSKN5]

Yea the benefits even if minor would be just a secondary purpose. I really just enjoy macro algae, mangroves and other refugium stuff.

 

Unfortunately a second tank hooked into this one isn't in the cards, unless I was able to fit it under the stand... I really just want a small place for some macros and maybe a sandbed..

[Origami]

That should be fine if all you're planning on is some macro algae in that chamber. If you were adding some sort of substrate like sand or mud in that chamber, the flow might begin spreading it to other chambers. Wedge a piece of egg crate (perpendicular to your other baffles) to split the first chamber up into two side-by-side chambers and it'll keep the macro away from your filter sock (for the most part)

[GOSKN5]

There is basically no flow in that chamber.. with the full siphon and the filter sock it's almost none.... I don't think it would be enough to disturb sand...

[Origami]

There is basically no flow in that chamber.. with the full siphon and the filter sock it's almost none.... I don't think it would be enough to disturb sand...

The flow there is the same as whatever your return pump is pumping out unless you've split the drain, that is. In any case, you be the judge. If you want substrate in there, then give it a try. If it goes over the edge and into your skimmer chamber, though, it may get taken into your pump there and in the return chamber and accelerate wear and tear on those devices.

[sethsolomon]

You "CAN" but I don't think you should.

 

I think you should move your skimmer to the first chamber so it does not have a shifting water level, then you should section off a large section of the lower area and do a chaeto fuge there.

 

Ideally it would be best to put in a 3rd chamber for a refugium.  But you can get away with something like an egg crate separator.

[madweazl]

Looks like he has an ATO there to keep the water level consistent but it is probably still a better idea to move the skimmer over to the first chamber (if it fits) and the macro algae to the second chamber with some sort of divider to keep it away from the pump.

[GOSKN5]

It won't fit in the first chamber.. the water level stays very consistent from what I have seen.. the tunze ATO is rated to 1/4 inch.. when it comes on it usually runs for 2 or 3 seconds if that...

 

Probably just gonna skip a refugium for now...