I just finished setting up my refigium for my 150g reef tank,I decided on a 29g tank because I didnt have room for anything bigger.I set it next to my 20g sump tank.It turned out awsome,pics coming soon.I have heard so many horror stories out there about having seperate sumps and refugium tanks going to the same aquarium.(flooding issues,ect.)After doing as much research as I could with no logical ideals got frustrated and set out to find my own way.I know what I am doing has been done before,I took a overflow box I had from old 55g reef system.Ran it to my refugium and put a "T" connector from my main pump so it will pull from both tanks,20g sump and 29g refugium.I raised my sump up 6" above refugium because I wanted the water level(11") in refugium tank to be deeper than the water level(5") in sump.This works better than I had hoped it would.I turned off power to see if it would flood the tanks and it only came up a couple inches in both tanks,water level stays even in both tanks.What surprised me was when I turned the pumps back on the tanks stayed perfectly even at water level.It started syphon on its own this time.I was worried at some point the syphon from overflow boxes would stop and my pump would overflow my tank so I am using a Vacuum pump(Aqua Lifter AW-20)on each one of my overflow tubes to start the syphon for me when the power comes back on or ect.They were only $15 a piece,and great for peace of mind.I also built a canopy for my refugium tank with a clamp light and a piece of aluminum from hardware store.I am using 2-23w=90w compact flouresent bulbs(5500K),I've got about $20 IN COMPLETE FIXTURE,Let me know if you need plans I will send to you.All I need now is some Cheatomorpha algae and some sand sifting snails and such for refugium,I added 40 lbs. of live sand today.It's only about 2 inches deep so I will add another 20 lbs. or so.till I reach desired depth.Pictures are coming soon.Rick:dance:
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