I just built a new fuge out of a 29g for my 55g. I kept the fuge area, and the return area pretty shallow, so in case of an accident, the floors dont get wet. It holds 15g of water at normal operating levels. so I have another 14g of "oops" room. I have a CPR 100 overflow with an aqua lifter pump, and a rio 2100 return pump. It would not fit inside my stand, so the tank is moved slightly away from the wall, and the fuge is behind it on the floor. heres a couple pics.. :
skimmer section
return section
this is the fuge section
I think my flow rate is a little high for a fuge, but it seems to work well. I have a gutted skilter 250 HOB on the main display, full of mangroves, one powerhead in the main display, and the rio 2100 for the return for the fuge, and I have no dead spots in the main display. It works very well flow wise for the main display, but may be a bit too much flow for the fuge.. lol.. but it works..The only thing I wish I had of thought out better, is the skimmer section of the fuge the water level is near the top of the tank, and I didnt take into account the skimmer making a "waterfall" over the first wall,.. I found a small plastic basket I hung on the first divider to divert the flow from the skimmer. All is nice and quiet now.
Man I need a background.. Black or blue?
Jason