Combined Sump/Refugium Setup

[brianK]

I've got a Rubbermaid 12.5 container I'm going to use as my sump but was thinking of dividing it to use part as a refugium. What would be the best way to divide the tank?

Was thinking... have the hose from my overflow box running into the refugium side...and then that dump into the sump..where I'll have my filters...then a mag 7 return pump returning back to the tank with PVC.

Just curious with that type of container (just fits in under the stand I have for my 58gal) How shoud I divide up the two areas (refugium/sump), or is the container really to small to have both in?

Brian

[Instar]

I would add a second container inside the sump and raised for the refugium. Trouble is - is there enough room to contain the overflow when the power goes out? You can't divide a rubbermaid sump because they bow outward when they are full and that will break the seals of the divide. Thats why you will need a second, smaller rubbermaid container for a fuge if you do it that way. The one for the fuge could be elevated and taller than the footprint of the 12.5 sump and still inside the sump.

[pilot_bell777]

You can always put a ratchet strap around the tub and make it tight.

[brianK]

If I use a second container whats the best way to get the water from the refugium to the sump... cut a hole in the smaller container (refugium) and put a screen in it to filter what gets out of the refugium?


Brian