Refugium size for a 90 gal

So I just picked up a 90 gallon tank for my new main display. The tank has a sticker on the bottom that says "tempered glass. Do not drill." so it looks like I'll have to set up a gravity feed with a return pump.

Anyways I'm transferring the contents of my 50 gallon into the new 90. My question is would using my now old 50 gallon as a sump/refugium be overkill for a 90 gallon main tank? I do play on putting my skimmer and probably two heaters in the sump as well.

 

It wouldn't be overkill at all; more total water volume=more stability/tighter parameter wings which means a healthier tank. A larger refugium will allow for more macroalgae and nutrient export. Generally you should go with the largest possible sump on a reef tank, I'm running a 35 gallon on my 95 gallon reef and I wish everyday it could be just a little bigger. Good luck with the tank!

 

The bigger, the better

 

After feedback from the forum we went with the 40 gallon Aqueon Pro Flex 4 and it is a worth while investment. Totaly happy with my selection which allows room for growrh.

http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy279/Ezz1r/Oceanic%2092%20gallon%20project/DSCI0356-1.jpg


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You may want to check with the manufacture. Many tanks have tempered glass on certain panels, such as the bottom. However, usually they are not all tempered. I would be very surprised actually if they are all tempered, it is more expensive for them to do so, so, most don't. The sticker probably just means the bottom is tempered. Your LFS may know too. I have one near me that has a list showing exactly which panels are tempered on which tanks.

How much room do you have? There is no such thing as overkill, but if your putting it in your stand for example, you may not have room. Also, it your doing a stand, some stands can fit a tank through the back, but biger sumps won't always fit through the front door. So, you may need to place the sump before filling the display with water.

 

Use the largest sump you can fit in your designated fish area.

You cab check if the other panes are tempered by wearing polarized glasses and shining a light on the pane you wish to drill. If you see a checkerboard pattern then the pane is tempered.

 

I have a 40G breeder as my sump/fuge on my 87g and it is really nice to have the room for equipment. fuge is around 16x16x16 then the rest is the sump area. the added water volume will make life easier later on, I say go for it.

 

It's going in a big room, I have an entire wall and corner so probably and extra 5-6 feet larger than my tank. The stand Im using is home made, dad made it out of some big pieces of wood from some shipping account he delivered at years ago. probably a 4x15ish counter top and 4x4 or so legs with cross members under the top. In other words the bottom is open so I could probably fit another 125 under it if I wanted to haha.

I think I will use the 50. I will try your method though just to see. I did end up picking up a CPR CS100DX today though. It's their 800gph overflow unit with the vacuum pump on it. I also picked up a Ehiem recirc pump but it turns out we have a new industrial hot water external recirc pump here at home that may actually be better.

Here is my build thread:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...ild-90g-reef-50g-fuge-113570.html#post1177896

 

Well now, see, if you have room, you should use it

Rubbermaid® Structural Foam Stock Tanks, 150 gal. Capacity - 2229919 | Tractor Supply Company

 

My 75 had the same sticker on the bottom, but I drilled the back just fine. Just keep it cool and go slow, no pressure, let the bit do the work. It took me 1hr per hole and drove me crazy but so worth it.
Drilling GH
Just make sure you put duck tape on the bottom to keep the plug from falling through !!!