Refugium Setup Question? (1 Viewer)

[Cpthowdy]

All the Sump/Refugium setups that I have seen, have been setup in the same order. #1 Overflow from display with skimmer in that section, #2 then a section with macro, livesand, or liverock, #3 then a section for the return pump.

Can you setup the Sump/Refugium in this order: #1 Overflow with macro, livesand, or liverock, #2 then a section with the skimmer, #3 section with the return pump?

I would think that the macro would flourish better before the skimmer.

Also, there is space constraints on the build that I'm doing that makes me want to have it in this order.

All advice is welcomed.

 

[Adam G]

I know refugiums tend to be waste collectors and settling tanks if you feed the return directly into it. It is better to let things settle in the protein skimmer section where you can vacuum things out easier. Plus, the protien skimmer will get some of the smaller particles as well.

 

[ironman]

All the Sump/Refugium setups that I have seen, have been setup in the same order. #1 Overflow from display with skimmer in that section, #2 then a section with macro, livesand, or liverock, #3 then a section for the return pump.

Can you setup the Sump/Refugium in this order: #1 Overflow with macro, livesand, or liverock, #2 then a section with the skimmer, #3 section with the return pump?

I would think that the macro would flourish better before the skimmer.

Also, there is space constraints on the build that I'm doing that makes me want to have it in this order.

All advice is welcomed.

It really doesn't matter where you put it. I have my skimmer compartment on one side, and my refugium on the other separated by the return section in my sump. Then, I T'ed my drain off and ran a gate valve on the refugium side so I can dial in my flow. Generally, for it to be most effective, you want low flow. Also, if you have an injured fish, the low flow will be calming for them should you decide to let them heal in the refugium. Also, any copepods or other small creatures, as well as loose bits of macro algae are less likely to get washed into your display by high flow some may still get there, but that's gereally desirable anyway. Having the skimmer on the other side of the sump also keeps you from skimming out any copepods so they do make it to the display.

 

[Reefer Sutherland]

What they said...

Also if your skimmer is first, then if it throws micro-bubbles into the next two chambers, where hopefully they will dissipate, instead heading up into your display and turning into salt-creep on your cords, lights, et cetera.

 

[coralreefer]

I know refugiums tend to be waste collectors and settling tanks if you feed the return directly into it. It is better to let things settle in the protein skimmer section where you can vacuum things out easier. Plus, the protien skimmer will get some of the smaller particles as well.

+1 :beerchug: