how do I put a refugium/sump in an existing tank?

like the title says. its a 72 bow and I want to try and put a 20L, 29, or a 20R in there.

 

You will need an overflow box and a return pump. All you really need to do is treat the refugium as a sump. You actually make a sump with a refugium compartment, that's what I have running. I have a 20 gal. long separated into 3 parts, the intake, refugium and return area. Works like a charm.

 

If your looking to build one yourself I can't help you. I can speak from my own experience. I use Sealifesystems.com they have 3 sizes to work with and i'm sure one of the LFS's in your area either carries them or can order it for you. They are not cheap but then again none of them are. They have a RM100, RM200 and RM300. You can get all the dimensions on their website. As everyone will tell you check your inside dimensions in your cabinet and any other piece of equipment (skimmer, reactor etc) that you plan on getting. A skimmer that goes into the sump allows more space in the cabinet but with skimmers the height measurements are very important. Anyway, they are good and that's my opinion.
www.sealifesystems.com

 

sorry I didnt really explain whats going on. Im running a sump right now but its too small to put everything I want in there. so Im going to take it out. what Im trying to say is once I take it out how do I put the new one in? its too long to put in through the doors. should I strip the silicone then put it back together once its in? is there an easier way?
thanks.

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/new-tank-73825.html

thats my tanks thread its a 72 gallon bowfront with a hob overflow into a 20gal sump / refugium its got lots of pics if u want more ill take them for you

 

You may be in a tough situation. I had a Perfecto 36" stand for my 65g tank that was hard to work with, I would maybe try to improvise with the sump you have. If you were to use cheatomorphia in your fuge you may be able to put some in a plastic container with a bunch of holes in it. Maybe add a few small pieces of live rock and some sand. You'll need to get a clip on light at Home Depot $13 and a PLANT bulb. Set up the light to come on when the display tank lights go off. If you have moon lights on a timer then hook the light to them. That might help and it will probably won't cost you a lot of money.

 

WuWu - thats exactly what I want to do! how did you put that in? could it fit through the doors? thank you so much.

 

its a 20 gal. long tank i had to put in before i set the display tank on otherwise it wont fit but once its there you shouldent have to remove again anyhow

 

what about a 20 gallon reg?

 

all i can think of when placing the tank there is u want a large footprint so you have space for your input / balls / carbon / screen whatever then a space for your chaeto / protien skimmer and such all these things take space on the floor but who knows u may be able to do it