New refugium

[RMPD109]

Well since the HOB refuge was too big I decided to go and get an external unit. It is on its way from ebay of course. Since my tank is only a 28 I plan to put the heater, skimmer in the refuge as well.

Where should I put them? 1st chamber or the actual refuge or the return pump chamber. Any other helpful suggestions about the refuges are appreciatedTIA

 

[Bang Guy]

I would suggest placing input to the Skimmer before the refugium and the heater just before the return pump chamber.

A lot of people place the heaters in the return chamber but that chamber will have the most unpredictable water level of any place in your system.

 

[RMPD109]

if you put the skimmer before the fuge you could get rid of the skimmer pump right? My skimmer is rated 295 gph and I am getting a Rio 2100 return which is approx 360 gph @ 4 ft. Would the skimmer slow down the supply too much?

Hannah(my daughter saw me typing and wanted in so she spelled her name)

 

[Bang Guy]

The skimmer pump does more than just supply water. It also supplies microbubbles. There will be some bubbles in the water after a 4' drop but not enough. I believe you need to keep your pump.

The water supply for the refugium/sump should be coming from an overflow, not the skimmer.

 

[RMPD109]

I dont know what I was thinking. I know I need the pump for the venturi affect. I am just having a bad day I guess. I also did not refer back to my original post about the chambers. You suggested in the 1st chamber and I was thinking before the entire unit. Just not a good day for me. I understand 100% from your first post now. Thanks and KUDOS to you

 

[RMPD109]

Well I got the unit and am starting the set-up. Cant decide between DSB or the mineral mud. My main purpose of the fuge is nitrate reduction. I am planning on some chaeto and a DSB. Any comments about the mineral mud stuff.