Refugium pluming

Yes you need an overflow of some sorts.  It's all self regulating.  The inlet weir of the overflow box sets the minimum tank level.  This keep the whole tank from overflowing into the sump.  The sump should be sized so that in the event of a power failure (pump stops) it can hold what water will continue to fall from the tank (down to the overflow inlet weir).  The float switch is not needed (unless you want to use it to supply make-up water to the sump).

I've got some leftover acrylic....You can see ours in action, if you want.....

I while back I wrote up some plans for a DIY Simple Overflow that I have used for years that is 99.9% assured not to cause a flood. It explains the principle behind how it works so you can even make your own design with materials you might already have on hand. Email me for a copy.
[email protected]

Rstruhs asked me a question via PM and I hope he doesn't mind that I answer it here. My answer became rather expanded (surprise )and could be information that some of you could use.

When looking at two 10 gal. tanks underneath, I suppose it's an available space issue, but IMO from a practical consideration, one 20 gal is better than two 10's. The setup with a larger tank reduces the risk of flooding. In either case, the sump(s) should be designed to operate at 1/2 to 3/4 capacity.

To connect water flow between two tanks situated on the same level, simply place a large PVC pipe (made into a "U" tube using PVC elbows) or length of large vinyl hose between them which acts as a siphon. This can be less expensive than drilling holes and using bulkheads which may leak if the connection between the two tanks is not solid. There are several tricks to starting the siphon/filling a large pipe with water and keeping it free of air, that I can share if you choose to go this route.

If equipment like a skimmer is the reason for a second sump, a skimmer can easily sit on the sand in a larger sump, or make a small half high baffle with acrylic and aquarium silicone to make a small sand-free area where the skimmer sits. This allows more LS in the sump/refugia and more room for nutrient eating algae!

Also, it's best to place the skimmer near the inflow from the main tank, not on the outflow from a refugia. The outflow is carrying "bugs" that you don't want captured by the skimmer.

When designing this kind of plumbing, I always ask myself two questions, and then I test it when it's built and installed:
1) What happens if the power goes out and then back on later, while I'm away?
2) What happens if something blocks the water route/how can I keep the water exit-way open? (a separate DIY cage around a screened exit is one answer)

Edited by Mark Peterson

For about 2 years I had a three level system with the 30 gal. refugia in the window (it grew acropora too), a semi fish only 20 gal. tank in the middle and an unlit sponge 10 gal. regugia on the bottom.

As long as the bottom tank level is kept low enough to collect the drainage without overflowing, the system works great.
I used my DIY overflow boxes for the two tanks. If you need those plans just email me. Click on my profile.

This is the layout for a sump I made for my 75 gallon. I tried to mimic the eco-system style sump. You can change any of the dimensions to make it fit your system.

I had the pieces cut for me at a plastics place off 33rd south right by I-15.
Acrylic cost was about $60 and then the plmbing was more.

You could easily put the return in the sump in the chamber on the left.

The one mistake I made was designing it so my HOB skimmer was after the refugium. But it still worked really well. And now I am skimmerless, so it doesn't matter.

Rich

And it is obviousl not drawn to scale!




Edited by Diverdan

I don't use our skimmer much. It seems like every time I dump the
cup, it's green! Makes me think it's just skimmming out the
phytoplanton!

Homegrown rotifers, phytoplanton and baby brine shrimp! I can't
afford DT'S......

You're welcome to come check it out. We're in Riverton.....

Maybe I should start a thread.......

I am interested also.