Hi everyone....this is my first time posting, so please be patient if I have left off any information......
I currently have a 110 gallon saltwater tank with crushed coral substrate, approximately 140-150 pounds of live rock, a HOB protein skimmer, and canister filter (I have an inline UV light that I will be putting in place on the return side of my refugium that I am about to build). I am wanting to build a refugium in order to do away with the canister filter (if anyone thinks I can't use the refugium in place of the canister filer, please explain???). My cabinet doesn’t allow for much room below my tank and I can't locate the refugium anywhere else in the house (small house). The space I am working with is 36" wide, 14.5" deep, and 19" high. Would a 20 gallon refugium be big enough for my tank, or would I need at least a 30 gallon refugium? I have no plans to move my protein skimmer down inside the sump/refugium. I was thinking I could simply get an old aquarium that will fit under the tank that would have 3 chambers. The first chamber would be where the water comes in from the overflow box, the second being the refugium, and the third would be my return going to the DT. Can anyone recommend an good/affordable overflow box and return pump that will work well together?
I currently have a 110 gallon saltwater tank with crushed coral substrate, approximately 140-150 pounds of live rock, a HOB protein skimmer, and canister filter (I have an inline UV light that I will be putting in place on the return side of my refugium that I am about to build). I am wanting to build a refugium in order to do away with the canister filter (if anyone thinks I can't use the refugium in place of the canister filer, please explain???). My cabinet doesn’t allow for much room below my tank and I can't locate the refugium anywhere else in the house (small house). The space I am working with is 36" wide, 14.5" deep, and 19" high. Would a 20 gallon refugium be big enough for my tank, or would I need at least a 30 gallon refugium? I have no plans to move my protein skimmer down inside the sump/refugium. I was thinking I could simply get an old aquarium that will fit under the tank that would have 3 chambers. The first chamber would be where the water comes in from the overflow box, the second being the refugium, and the third would be my return going to the DT. Can anyone recommend an good/affordable overflow box and return pump that will work well together?
