Thoughts on this refugium!!!

I like the look of this refugium.

http://cgi.ebay.com/REFUGIUM-FILTER...3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:3|39:1|240:1318

The seller can adjust the baffles anyway I like. It includes a ca-2200 return pump rated at 850 gph.

Now would 850gph be too fast of a flow for a refugium? I have a 75 gallon drilled tank. If I follow the rule of 1/10 I would need to have a 7.5 gallons going through the refugium.

I am unable to find any pump slow enough to fit that. 850gph is 100 times more than 7.5.

 

I have never heard 1/10th, typically for fuges I have heard 4-6 times turnover, whereas a wet/dry would be upwards to 10 times. There is no pump that would be able to give you 7.5 gph turnover, at least not a pump made to handle any type of head pressure.

Happy searching!

 

I don't believe the seller is using this a a TRUE refugium but more as a Sump/Refugium as I like to call these. This type of setup is very similar to what I use. It works great for me but it not a true refugium.

To accomplish a true refugium (as I think that is what you are trying to do) then you are correct in the slower water flow. Most people just tee off the return line with two ball valves to adjust the flow. Some pump the water back to the DT and some create an overflow back to the sump.

I hope this helps.

 

The only thing with setting up pumps to gate and ball valves, yes it does allow you to adjust flow, but you are impeding the efficiency and effectiveness of the pump. With this reduces the life of the pump and adds heat as well.

 

That's a big one.

 

when you slow down the return side of a pump it will run cooler and more efficient, just fyi

 

I went with a design from melevsreef. Its a sump/refugium and I think it works pretty good. I tee off the return line not the pump (since I have an external pump)

Melevsreef

 

Not so.

Whenever you restrict the flow of water you create resistance. A pump will continue to pump at full force. That resistance (energy) must go somewhere. It turns to heat.

 

sorry i hate to differ with you on this but a centrifugal pump as we run on our tanks will use less amprage and run cooler if restricted on the output side!!!!!

 

Hello. I would install a ball valve and follow the 1/10 rule. However, for $250 I say no way ! this is such a simple design you could easily replicate it for a fraction of the cost. But if money is no worries....enjoy, this will work well for you.