Build me a refuge/sump!

[Kerchakone]

I have a 46 bowfront gallon display and a stand that accomodates my other tank that I'm going to use as my sump/fuge.

It's a small 10 gallon cheapo glass tank.

I also have a remora skimmer that I want to stick in the sump. And a current usa satellite fixture for it.

THIS IS ALL I HAVE. Someone want to give me a shopping list/ pros/cons and setup ideas?

I have what I think I want to do, but I want to see if someone can show me something I didn't think of or certain overflows/pumps I didn't find.

I'm on a limited budget by the way, so no top of the line stuff... unless it's as cheap as decent stuff.

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, my goal is to be able to feed a mandarin and also a TON of nitrate control if possible.

[goldenmean]

Here is a RS member who has an overflow box for sale - cheap.
-sale-overflow-box-diy-protein-skimmer-air-pump.html

[Octoman]

I would say get a larger tank for the sump if you can. A 10g will severely limit your space. By the time you get a skimmer, baffles, and return pump in the sump you will be out of space. If you want a fuge/pod farm, then you will need more space or a separate tank. Could you possible fit a 20L or anything bigger in your stand?

[BigAl07]

I agree with Mark. 10g severely limits what you can do. Sounds like you're wanting a Sump & a Fuge. I have a 29g Sump Only and with just baffles and equipment it's full. Then I added a Custom Built 15g Fuge that feeds into the Sump's return chamber.

Try to see how much room you have under the stand and fit as much tank in there as is practical. Make sure whatever you design will it INTO the tank. Just because the footprint under there will allow it doesn't mean it will fit through the opening into the cabinet. Maybe if one larger tank wont fit you can do a couple of smaller ones (makes the plumbing more difficult but gives you more options).

Remember the rule of thumb here.....


The solution to pollution is DILUTION!

Just like with Hot Rods..."The is NO substitute for Cubic Inches..."

and contrary to what some "reefers" say.... Size DOES matter


How much sand do you have?

How much Live Rock? The Live Rock will populate with pods which will HELP feed the mandarin but that's a LONG way down the road. Right now we need to concentrate on the optimal/functional set-up and let the tank mature into a Pod Producer.

[Kerchakone]

Well, my skimmer is a HOB so it won't take much room at all. Also that constitutes ALL of my equipment.

I got a return pump and overflow in the mail. For the time being I plan on just throwing in a ton of algae to lower nitrates. Eventually I'll look into a larger tank for a fuge, but Money says no right now.

[Kerchakone]

Also, I think you meant "There's no replacement for displacement."

[Kerchakone]

Originally Posted by Octoman

Could you possible fit a 20L or anything bigger in your stand?

20 liters is about 5 gallons...? Or does that mean 20 long?


EDIT: So I went to petco and bought a cheap 20G tall and it won't fit. Basically I can return it for a 15 gallon I saw there for only 5 bucks less. Gonna try that. If it doesn't fit, well then I'm stuck until an upgrade happens. Which probably never will considering I can hardly afford what I've got.

[funkpolice]

There's no replacement for cubic inches!
Shuffle you're feet, lose your place to sit down.
bill

[Kerchakone]

Stuck with a 10 gallon. Oh well, I can get 5 gallons for the fuge to fit in there with some ingenuity.

[BigAl07]

Try that if you can work out the plumbing aspect. I have my fuge gravity draining into my sump which houses my return pump.