Finally a real fuge built

It's in and running. I forgot how tight it is to get a 20g long in and out of my cabinet. I soaked my power bar getting it in, so I'm running on a back up power bar for now, but it's done.

It definitely has a nice clean look, and I'm really glad I left the windows to see into the fuges. They look pretty neat. Now I'm considering cutting a hole in the doors to see in there. This is the first time I've had a bubble trap in my sump. I'm shocked at how well they really work. I keep finding myself staring at the bubbles going into the trap and the clear water coming out. I'm planning on running lights over this fuge 24 hours. My other ones all run on the day time cycle, so maybe this will help with ph swings.

Over all I'm very happy with my new set-up.

Pictures will be up a little later tonight.

 

Looks good Mike. you might be on to something with the angled baffles.

 

Might be? I'm on to something big here...don't go to L**e's to get glass cut. They don't know how to take 1/4 inch off the edge to give you the size you want lol.

 

Mike – excellent job, looks great. I hate to knock the design but I would not suggest you skim pre refugium – I always suggest skim post refugium so not to starve out the macro’s.

 

Just for the record though, my UV filter wouldn't of fit in the skimmer compartment with the skimmer if it wasn't for the angled baffles. Gotta love blind luck!

 

Angled baffles rock!!

Can't wait to see pictures.

 

I've had problems making up my mind on which way it should go. Your thought certainly has a point, but on the other hand if you skim post fuge, you may skim some pods. The way I think of it is, if the skimmer skims so much nutrients that there's not enough left for macro to grow, than why grow the macro at all? Everyone thinks it's bad when their macro won't grow, but one thing that could mean is there is not enough nutrients for them to export. Good thing IMO.

My other fuges that are pre-skimmer are overgrown anyway, so this could end up being just for looks if it won't grow. Maybe some fragile inverts in there or something?

 

Ok, I had another second to think about this. I have fuges pre-skimmer and post skimmer. Perfect to see which one grows more. Lights are also fairly comparable.

 

I like it - I look forward to hearing your results. I was reading your first post and it would be hard to argue it....I always like to fall back on the simple thought of - what works for one doesn't necessarily work for all.

 

Very true. When it comes down to it, as long as the animals in the DT look good everything else should be left alone.