Help me with my 'fuge!

Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

I'm gonna use this as a model for re-designing my 20gal long sump. I'm going to incorporate a refugium area into the new design similar (as close as i can get because I don't want to by all that acrylic when I already have this 20gal long) to the one on Melvs page in the link above.

1) I'm concerned about mechanical filtration though and could use some input in this area.

2) I'm going to Tee off of my DT return so I can regulate and therefor slow the flow to the 'fuge area.

3) I'm thinking of reducing the area in my skimmer section so that the return pump area can be larger as this is where the evaporation is shown. I'll also place the heater in here as well.">

Here's my setup now.

I figured I post here since I'm adding a 'fuge section even though it could be put in DIY I suppose. Maybe I should start my tank build thread with this since I've already talked my wife into a bigger DT, but thats a little ways down the road. Anyways, back to the point of these questions...

4) I also would like input on the depth and type of sand/rock/mud that can be used in the 'fuge. The plan is for chateo algea. I plan on running a 12 hr lighting cycel opposite of the DT to keep Ph stable.

The photobucket link in my sig has all my tank and design pics, if anyone has more questions about my stuff that my help give some more input.

 

We're off to WalMart so I'll be back in an hour or two.

 

Hope you don'f foget a light for the fuge. I'm using the $8 (from the automobile section) with a full spectrum daylight 65w bulb. The only thing that I don't like is it doesn't have a ground wire.

 

I saw one at Petlsmart that will set perpindicular the the tank, its in the reptile section. I haven't forgoten about it I really want to get the layout defined first. I'm really frustrated with myself over the poor performance of my current setup, especially after I was convinced that it would be the dawn of a new age for my tank, metiphorically speaking ofcoarse.

 

you have any links to this light you use on your fuge?

 

Exo Terra&reg Compact Fluorescent Terrarium Canopy - Lighting - Heating & Lighting - PetSmart

I thought that this would work nicely for a 'fuge light. If needed I could add a piece of acrylic for a splash sheild.

What about the mechanical filtration? Right now I'm just using filter floss, should I try and incorporate a filter sock/bag?

 

That light from petsmart is $30?? I picked this light up and have had good luck with it Compact Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting: Mini-Freshwater & Mini-Aqualights
What sold me was they sell a nice variety of lamps for it. I've tried actinics mixed, doubled up 6700k and 10000k lamps to find a good combination for my macroalgae. I dont remember it costing me $34 bucks though. I think I paid like $25 for it on sale. Try Petmountain.com

As for mechanical filteration, I've seen many use a filter sock... Your filter floss probably works good though.

 

2 things sold me on that fixture, 1) I can hold it in my hand and not pay shipping, 2) The type of bulb. I've seen these bulbs on LOTS of 'fuge's under some really good looking tanks. Shipping is really high right now w/gas prices going up for the summer.

 

I have about 2" of sand in my DT, should I have like a 4" - 6" bed in my 'fuge section?

 

http://www.kentmarine.com/assets/001/20718_600w600h.png

Picked this up at my LFS. My Typhoon III came with the auto shut-off valve so I just have to get it in my sump.