Plenum in refugium

Have been out of my reef tank for about five years now, and planning on doing a 90g SW fish only tank. I like the idea of a refugium, my question is do you think its worth it to do a plenum with the sand. I am going to try and use a 20g refugium. Any help would be great!

 

Well the 'worth' of it is debateable to some.. but regardless, if you are going to do it at all, doing it remotely - out of the main tank - is preferred for easier maintenance and so you have more vertical real estate in the main tank. This is how Mr. Plenum - Bob Goemans - does it now.

I suppose one benefit of doing it in a refugium is that it will move the plants closer to the light.

Welcome to 3reef! Thanks for joining.

 

There seems to be a split on if it really does anything. Some are quite adamant about their position on the topic. I'm not planning on putting one in my new sump/refug, but I don't think it can hurt. It does increase the amount of maintenance that you need to engage in and your costs.
I personally don’t think there is enough data out there for an absolutely correct answer. IMO, go with whatever strikes your fancy. Just post up with the results so we can learn from your experience.

Good luck,

Bruce

 

Imo the plenium is old school and a lot of work

 

Plenum in refugium sump

Thanks for all of your replies. Its not quite the positive response I was expecting... Doesn't everyone wish for a certain response?!
Interesting enough, I picked up this months FAMA (Jan 2006) PG 96. This exact question was asked in sand mail. I thought Bob Goemans response was interesting . He was very pro on this preference. In fact I am going to forge ahead with the plenum in the refugium.
Just found a great deal on a bow front 72gal Oceanic today. Tank stand and hood. I'm going to use a 29g sump. Purchasing a Bullet-one from Prec.Marine protein skimmer. I'll throw another question out: Is a UV filter recommended for a fish only tank, also when is Ozone recommended?
Thanks,
Bruce

 

Be careful with 72 Oceanic Bows. I had 2 leak on me within 8 months
Oh your just asking all the tough questions tonight LOL

In a fish only I would go with the UV. I ran one in my reef and couldn't tell much of a difference. The bulb went and I didn't even know it so I'm not sure how long it was gone for but removed it and never used it again.

As for Ozone I would advise against it in a 72G tank. Kinda over kill



J

 

Oceanic 72 bow front

Leaks!! Red Flag!
Did you repair or did you empty everything out and return it?

 

Lucky for me my LFS owner is a stand up guy. Replaced the tank the first time and the second time he gave me a 75G + stand and hood no charge + a nice store credit.

I think if you search on Reef Central you will find a ton of posts about leaking Oceanic bow fronts

J

 

I have an Oceanic Bow front 72 that is about 2.5 years old and have just started to see salt creep on the front. I'm SOL I'd go with a different tank.