Refugium Project w/ DIY Overflow

GrimReefer · #1 05-05-2007, 03:19 AM

I'm going to install a display 5 gallon refugium under my stand. I'll be cutting the bottom 2/3 off my cabinet door.

The tank is currently being built (12x10x11"). The tank will come about 2/3 of the way up the cabinet door opening. It should allow reasonable, albeit tight access to the 'fuge and powerbars (mounted on the inside top of the stand). I've designed, built, and tested my PVC continuous siphon overflow. I've tested it with 200 gph, but I'll only need it for about 100gph (or whatever a MJ1200 puts out at 3.5' head). It will be primed with a maxi-jet venturi.

The next step will be building the baffles for the back compartments of the refugium. That will have to wait until I get the tank. I'm allowing space for an AC70 sponge and other media, since I don't run a mechanical filter on my tank, and I want something to remove the detritus before it gets to the rather low-flow 'fuge. I'm planning on some macro, a bit of rock, and a seahorse or two.

Funky_Fish14 · #2 05-11-2007, 05:31 AM

FTW - My MJ1200 is running about 120gph at 2.7-3' head(with two elbows and 16" horizontal). Mind you, the flow decreases exponentially per inch, rather than in a certain amount per inch. Im guessing your 100gph assumption is right on.

Actually, I just realized I have a ball valve on it dialed back a minor amount(barely cutting into it), so you might get just over 100gph in your setup. Im also running it through 1/2" rigid PVC.

Chris

04scoobysti · #3 05-11-2007, 03:51 PM

subscribed, you just might convince me to do the same!

Funky_Fish14 · #4 05-11-2007, 09:40 PM

Just noticed your syphon overflow. How is that going to operate?

Cheers,
Chris

04scoobysti · #5 05-19-2007, 06:33 PM

Any updates?

GrimReefer · #6 05-21-2007, 04:17 PM

well the tank started leaking a couple weeks ago and i had a new one built, with holes for overflow. almost a good thing because it means i can put a larger tank under the stand. but i will no longer need my pvc overflow.

i've almost got the tank back running again. my refugium is completed, plumbing is finished, cabinet is modified. just waiting for some paint and silicone to fully cure. i'll post some pics once i get water in it, but i'm still waiting for my light fixture for the fuge. some moonlights will also come when i can afford them.

as for the syphon overflow, it operates under the same principle as the overflow boxes. only without a surface skimmer. if you're interested in building one, i can post a drawing and explain it a bit more.

Midknight · #7 05-21-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGrimReefer

as for the syphon overflow, it operates under the same principle as the overflow boxes. only without a surface skimmer. if you're interested in building one, i can post a drawing and explain it a bit more.

I would be interested in a pic.

StevenQ95 · #8 05-23-2007, 02:02 AM

I would love to get some pics of the overflow. Does it work very well? By the way I'm new! I'm in Whitehorse, Yukon!

GrimReefer · #9 05-31-2007, 06:22 PM

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=33043

^ new tank thread.

the overflow works well. and i apologize for not drawing a diagram yet. lots of other things to do at the moment.

GrimReefer · #10 06-08-2007, 06:34 AM

sorry for the delay. here's a diagram.

you'll want to leave the shortest length of pvc unglued for adjustment to desired water level. you prime it by pouring water into the top of the tee. the powerhead venturi will restart the siphon if the water level drops below the intake.