Just personally I think a nano or a smaller tank(eg 20gal) is a little more challenging. A little tricky with controlling fluctuations with various parameters.
My little piece of info from what I have read is;
-the fine sand you are using is sufficiently deep and don't go 4" deep
-no reactor - think of using 2 part additive instead
-yes to refugium -hangon, DIY or whatever. Adds to tank volume and will assist or basically become your primary filter. (works for me)

Read lots first before spending

I wish that Evan would give a seminar on refugiums - a 75 for a 75. That is the coolest system. The 'fuge in this case is a nice tank in its own right, not a green mess as we sometimes see. You have 2 different microcosms side-by-side.

So that would mean you could have a 20 for your fuge, with the benefits Kari mentions. (Guess I need another 50 then...) :biggrin:

hi, i have a spare 10 gallon aquarium. Could i use this for my refugium? if so, what is involved in making this work. What parts will i need to make it all work and what will it cost?
thanks!
If the price is right..under $50 for everything to set up a fuge, i will do it today!

Try this link for starters, and read the FAQ's posted at the top, too.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm

And then this one:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/refugiumsetups/
Lots of links there.

My CPR 12" refugium is still for sale. You can have it for the bargain basement price of $75.00.