Refugium sand base levels

M

MichaelMcl

[Howdy guys and gals in the reefers online world.I just got my refugium tank in today from ebay and after alot of manual labor I got it under my stand and got my overflow box and return lines set.Now I like to ask is just how much sand should I have in the refuguim part of my slump.I have some algae and some starter sand (1lb) coming in next Wednesday to get the refugium part finished up.I still need to build a skimmer I know cause that prizm I have not is not deep enough to run in the slump.I have pc lighting that came witht he kit 6700k so from what I see that should do pretty good for the lighting. :D]
 
[First of all, it is a sump , not a slump. I've seen you post this several times recently. S U M P.

You only need about 1" to 1.5" of sand in the refugium. You can see it with 1 cup of LS from an existing set up. 1 lb is usually about 2 cups worth.

Regarding your lighting, you'll probably want some 7100K light as well, to balance out the 6700K you are setting up. Otherwise it will appear to yellow to you I fear.

You said you want to build your own skimmer? I believe Dallas Marine has a DIY project on one of their forums, so visit their website. They have a forum in the Sponsor's section. Otherwise, check out the numerous DIY skimmers on ReefCentral.com]
 
[thank you Marc,
I did need a spelling lesson too.I still like to use my prizm skimmer if I can.The problem is the inlet tube is about 8" to 10" short of making it to the water in the sump.Personally I don't really trust setting a hangon skimmer inside the sump in the water.]



Edited By MichaelMcl on 1089895307
 
[You may run into a problem with extending the intake tubing, because most Hang On skimmers need to have the same water height in the tank correspond with the water height in the skimmer.

Plus, you might not be able to submerge the external skimmer if there is a pump outside that needs to remain dry. However, if it uses a in-tank pump, just set up the skimmer on a stand so that it is sitting at the correct water level. Several people in the club have set up their Remora skimmer in their sump, including Amanda.]
 
[Marc,

I think the 6700K lighting that Michael was talking about was for the refugium and not the display tank.

If that is the case than the 6700K bulb should be fine for lighting the Refugium.

Michael,

Is this correct or am I confused.]
 
[yes Michael you are correct.Its 6700k for the sump and I am running 50/50 10,000k 130watts pc for the main tank.I will be hopefully growing Macro-algaes (Chaetomorpha, grape caulerpa,and prolifera).Hopefully this will help with a nitrate problem I am been fighting for a few weeks now.

PS Marc give me a gold star for the work S U M P lol :eyebrows:]
 
[Marc,
I brought a prizm delux a couple of months ago.I am still not sure if you can put the unit inside the slump..Some sites say yes others say its just a hangon.My sump measures out at 27"L X 11"W X 16"H with three chambers.I was just hoping to get out cheap.So make one or use the prizm that is the question!! :cool:]
 
[Yes, I've seen that one. Let us know how you like it.]
 
[Well everything aside from being normal with me,,Nothing is ever easy lol.Due too restrictions in the size of the area of the sump we were working with.I found a gallon square container at wal-marts for about 50 cents more.Well did everything and squeeze it in there and had a couple of leaks of course.I used a maxi-jet 1200 for pump and found out it was too weak if I had the skimmer on the bottom of the sump.No foam.Much to my amazement that I raised the skimmer 4 inches off the floor of the sump and it came to life.The whole bottom container now is nothing but fine bubbles.I still have to work on the riser tube some.Right now all I have is a 90 degree elbow there and the foam level is about 1" over the bottom container.One thing I will say about the skimmer is the prizm I have can no way skim the amount of water the skimmer thats in there now...looks arent everything :)]



Edited By MichaelMcl on 1090131282
 
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