Converting wet dry to refugium sump set up - For the least amount of money possible

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

[Here's my current config:

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Not six weeks in and I already regret not getting a better sump with refugium, but this is already bought, so I thought I would remove the bio media and add another tank to the setup.

My plan is to get a 29 gal or so (maybe even a rubbermaid type big), divide it roughly in half into a 'fuge area and a return pump area. Put the skimmer and pump in the 1/2 of the 29 gal and put a bulkhead in the the present "wet/dry" to gravity feed to the 29 gal.

Does anybody do anything similar? This would have sort of a stacked look to it.]

 

[CodyRay]

[y would you still need the wet/dry?]

 

[blide]

[Nice Tank Mark...

Just FYI:

I use the large rubbermaid tub (29 gallon) and I don't think you will have enough room under that stand to use a large tub because of the width. With that divider in there you probably only have 15 inches or so. And if you use anything smaller than a 29g tub I think you will have bubble problems. Plus, if you get a tall tub it makes things really hard to work on and almost impossible to remove hardware.

Just my .02 from the minimal expierence that I have...]



Edited By blide on 1107528371

 

[kwl1763]

[You can make something work for sure. It will take some planning though.

If I were you I would ditch the wet dry. I believe that is a 4 ft tank so I would by a 40G breeder glass tank put some baffles in and make a refugium on the right and you would be good to go. You could probably do all that for under $50! Maybe you could even sell the current sump and make a little bit of it back!

If a 40 breeder won't fit a standard 30 should!

The even cheaper option would be to leave your setup as is and get a rubbermaid to put where the 5G buckets are in the picture. T off your return line to feed the container and drill a bulkhead near the top that is plumbed to overflow to your current return section. Be sure to get the super rigid rubbermaids though or your bulkhead will leak!

I'm all about being cheap but I really think you would be much happier long term with the first option I mentioned.]

 

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

@kwl1763 wrote:

[I've thought about that. In fact, that was my first idea, really, and I keep circling back to it. The 'fuge would be limited in size. But, honestly, most of the customer acrylic sumps I've seen that would fit in my stand have very small 'fuges as well.

I just want to grow some chaeto and pods. I figure 10 gallons would do it. More would be ideal, but not practical.]

 

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

@CodyRay wrote:

[It wouldn't really be a wet/dry anymore with the media removed. Just a sump for the skimmer and return.]

 

[No_Floaters]

[For now, you could remove the bio balls, add the chaeto where the balls were, and a clamp-on light to shine on it.]

 

[MLACAZE]

[I used a 29G tank with some acrylic divider to make a sump and fuge. very cheap, very easy and very efficient. I will try to see if i have a picture. Used Marc's 14G sump as a reference.

Mike]

 

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

@MLACAZE wrote:

[Thanks. Would appreciate a pic if you can find one.]

 

[MLACAZE]

[I found a picture, but it was too large to upload. Maybe you could PM me your address and I will send it to you. Hopefully it is not too big for Hotmail. If al else fails, I will email it from work on Monday.

Will try again tomorrow, getting ready to head out the door.

Mike]

 

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

[Sure. I'll send you an e-mail.

BTW, there's a freeware program you should check out for adjusting pic sizes, colors, etc.

It's called "irfanview" and it's really easy and great. Do a Google and you'll find it.]

 

[Trasma2]

@MLACAZE wrote:

[Mike,]

 

[Trasma2]

@MLACAZE wrote:

[Mike,
I would like to take a look at the picure if you don't mind.

My e-mail address is Trasma2@yahoo.com

Thanks!]