Nano Sump/Fuge Systems

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FranktheTank

Premium Member
I'm in a predicament as I stated in my "Planning 36g Corner" thread.

What to do about a sump/fuge? The cabinet is only 15"x11" which is just not enough room to do a decent sump/fuge.

I've given it thought from a small sump in the stand and a fuge next to the DT, or build a cabinet to house a bigger sump/fuge next to the DT. Of course then I start to think... ok, if I'm going to build a $300-400 extra cabinet then why don't I just buy a bigger tank and stand to begin with?

I could just sit the sump/fuge on the floor with a sheet of plywood as a base... but not convinced how nice that would look.

I know some of you have bio cubes where it has a small refugium on the back. But what about the rest of you who build your own sump/fuge?

What kind of designs do you do? Pics or descriptions would be wonderful.
 
Not sure about everyone here, but a majority in the Nano realm have AIO systems. Being the Nano Forum, a 36G Bow falls just outside that so the assistance you receive might be minimal.

Myself, I modded Chamber 2 into a refugium.

I'm not sure exactly what they are, but I have read of some people using a version that hangs on the back or side of the tank, but never payed much attention since I have an AIO system.

If you can't find what you're looking for you might try the Nano-Reef.com Forums or specifically the Refugium Section might be best. I think that's where I read about it at.

Hope that helps at least a little.
 
Thanks alot!
I know I'm slightly above the 30g mark, but in reality a nano thread inspired my transition from a 125-150g to a 36g tank.
I hope those here will welcome me to this forum.

I think I'll just let it sit on the floor near the tank. I may be going with a LifeReef system anyways... it will look really nice.
 
What about a HOB refugium? Anyone like these? It's got to be the same concept as your AIO systems.

I could do a sump w/ skimmer under the tank and a HOB refugium.

Would something like this work? http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=650#
or an Ecosystems HOB http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=937


Thoughts?
 
@FranktheTank wrote:
What about a HOB refugium? Anyone like these? It's got to be the same concept as your AIO systems. I could do a sump w/ skimmer under the tank and a HOB refugium. Would something like this work? http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=650# or an Ecosystems HOB http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=937 Thoughts? said:
Yeah, that first one is the one I saw, but now that I think about it I think someone did a DIY one I saw that looked similar. I'd definitely try a DIY before I paid $320 for the second one you listed.

You would throw out the Miracle Mud, Bioballs, and Sponge anyways so you'd be paying for stuff you're not going to use.

I would post over in the DIY section. Get some dimensions and see who might be able to build you the box and purchase the pumps and lighting separately.
Click to expand...
 
Good idea. The more I think about it... I might just build a small stand about 6 inches off the floor and put a LifeReef sump/fuge near the DT.

I can get on the floor and check out the critters in the sump/fuge.

Those LifeReef sumps, skimmers, and fuges are pretty cool.
Probably for $1k I could have a 36" sump/fuge system with all pumps, skimmer, and plumbing. http://www.lifereef.com/lg_clf1_ref.JPG

I wouldn't feel real bad about that. And it appears to be very well and nicely built. So it would look a lot better than maybe a DIY that you hide in a stand.

It appears I'm looking at $200-300 for someone to build a sump. A great skimmer is going to run me $300 or more. A return Mag 9 is going to run $100. We haven't even gotten to plumbing and lighting...

So for $1k I could get that LifeReef design in the link. I would just show it off next to the DT.
 
Yeah, however, make sure you do your research on that product whether or not it's worth it to you. It might cost just as much as putting one together, but is the quality going to be the same? If so, I'd go with the manufactured one with a warranty :p
 
Oh, have you not heard of LifeReef? Jeff makes very quality products.

His overflow boxes are thought to be the best there is.
Look at his sumps/fuges... the attention to detail. He produces very good products.

It was just to the point of "Do I want this in sight or do I want to hide the best possible"?

I can probably put this on a stand next to my DT and it will look fine.
 
You have to remember. A lot of the things you're going thru right now with researching different products and such is a whole lot more than I've had to do. I don't know who Lifereef is nor most of them out there simply because I have an AIO system and only been in the hobby 4 months. However, if I had to pick I'd go with "Jeff's" version :p
 
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