refugium

[at]

I have a 20 gallon tank I used as a quarantine tank. It has set for 6 months with no livestock in it. I was wondering if there was anyway to turn it into a refugium. I have read about the algae and all but should the tank flow into the sump then pump into the refugium or vice-versa. I have a155 gal with built in overflows that go to a wet/dry filter now. There are just a few bio-balls in there now too quiet the water fall now. I would like to keep the 20 0n its display stand and set it next to the big tank. Is this possible? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Andy.

[lReef lKeeper]

i guess it would be possible with multiple pumps, but it might be a little risky. if one pump goes out ... there goes your floor. i would look into a sump with a built in fuge. mine is a DIY, but they do make them.

from tank to fuge to sump is the way i would do it. but it doesn't really matter the order you go in IMO.

hope this helps some ... later

[at]

helps some appreciate the info.

[lReef lKeeper]

thinking about it more ... if the sump and fuge where side by side you could drill the 2 of them down low (so one would drain to the other), put a baffle and return pump in one end of the fuge. but the tanks would have to be side by side and level (or the one getting the drain off lower than the other). this might be a better option than running so many pumps. and a lot less risky.

[jojo22]

be sure you didn't use any copper in the QT!!!!!!!!!

[lReef lKeeper]

Tyler (dirt4dinner) is the only one here that uses copper, lol.

[jojo22]

I personaly use it in my QT but I have a long and tedius method I follow before placeing the fish back in the display.

[at]

the refuge would probably sit 2 ft. higher than the sump I am starting to get scared now when you mention flooding. I let my RO run over about 1 gallon or so and my life,my tank, the whole world came to and end. I would sooner get divorced than water on the floor. I appreciate everyone's thoughts but I might as well cancel this one. Thanks Andy

[lReef lKeeper]

im not trying to scare you, just inform you of the possibilities with multiple pumps.

you could always run your overflow lines to the fuge, drill the fuge toward the bottom on one of the sides, and run some PVC or flex hose from it to behind or through the stand and let it naturally flow down to the sump. then have the pump shoot it back up to the main tank from there. if you dont understand what i mean let me know and i will try to draw it out for ya.

[Whoyah]

Something to consider when designing any sort of sump system is the amount of overflow you need, just in case you lose power to the return pump. The lowest tank should have enough empty room to absorb the entire system above it. The best way to determine how much room you need, is to fill the main tank to its "normal" but only allow the minimum in the sump in order to run the pump. Mark the water in the sump then turn off the pump. The water in the tank and pipes will drain to the point where the water is below the drain hole. Now mark the new water level in the sump. The differance between the two lines is tha minimum amount of room you should leave empty just in case the pump fails for what ever reason. I would add a little just to be safe. Hopefully this makes sense and is helpful.

[lReef lKeeper]

we were getting to that point Shad, thanx for steping in man. we can always use knowledge around here.

[at]

I am way too afraid to try this . Divorce is a definite possibility if there is any water on the floor. Second thought that could be a good thing

[lReef lKeeper]

if you dont want to go that route ... they do make a hang on tank refugium.

[at]

I might try that Bobby or just forget it because the tank is fine. I'm just trying to find some thing to do with the 20. It has a skimmer and every thing , maybe bright lights,anenome,clownfish. Maybe seahorses ? Any ideas since the fuge thing is not working

[lReef lKeeper]

you know, i've been thinking about starting a sponge tank. i think it would be a cool looking tank with all the different sponges out there. but as you said anomnies and clowns could be cool too. i was going to do a pony tank but posted a question about them, lets just say that unless you have a lot of free time ... they should not be kept. here is a link to my post for you to read ...

http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=3359

[at]

Bobby, I just read your link about seahorses, and I agreewith you. I dont have much info about sponges do you. That could be pretty cool I never even thought of that.

[lReef lKeeper]

i don't have a lot of info on them but when i get enough compiled i will be glad to share it with everyone !! i am working on it now

[at]

cool, appreciate the help

[lReef lKeeper]

Below is just a little info i have found about sponges ...

Sponges may be a useful addition to reef tanks as they are filter feeders specializing in very small particles such as bacteria and smaller. Because they feed on such small particles, from several microns to less than a micron, they may not be competing with other filter feeders that eat zooplankton or algae. In theory they could reduce bacterial levels in the water taking out things that pass through the finest mechanical filters.

The basic sponge is REALLY a simple animal. It consists of a cylinder lined inside and out by cells. In between the outside layer of cells and the inside layer of cells is the area of the matrix (also called mesoglea, a name which means "middle jelly"). The cylinder wall is perforated by many tiny pores connecting the water outside of the sponge cylinder with the inside cavity. These pores give sponges their scientific name of Phylum Porifera (Porifera is derived from Greek words meaning "pore bearing").

Though plant-like in appearance, sponges are actually one of the most primitive animals in the sea. They belong to a group called porifera. Most of us are familiar with the dried colorless varieties that populate the kitchens and bathrooms of the world. But in the ocean, live sponges can be found in an infinite variety of colors and shapes. Most of them are relatively small, but some varieties can grow to over 6 feet in diameter. Sponges differ from all other marine invertebrates in that they have no true tissues or organs. Their structure is composed of simple aggregations of cells. The name porifera means pore bearer. The tissue of sponges encloses a vast network of chambers and canals that connect to the open pores on their surface. Sponges feed by drawing a current of water in through their pores, filtering out the nutrients, and then ejecting it out through an opening. Many sponges on the reef resemble some of the corals in shape and color, but upon closer inspection the difference is apparent. They are one of the many life forms unique to the ocean environment. Sea squirts are very similar to sponges in appearance. They belong to a group called chordata. They are usually found growing in clusters on rocks. Like sponges, they filter particles of food from the water by pumping it through tiny pores and then expelling it through a central opening.

The Ball Sponge is a very popular sponge for the home aquarium. These sponges make tremendous backdrops and add to the life of an aquarium. The Ball Sponge is available in a crimson red color. It should not be exposed to air when introduced into the aquarium. When adding this item to the aquarium be sure to submerge the bag which carries it and release the water from the bag along with the sponge. They add a lot of color to all aquariums and are very hardy if provided excellent water quality and a strong water flow. Keep these Sponges in a low-light area to prevent algae growth on their surface.


Sponges are identified as Porifera and do not produce any tissue or organs. Sponges use small holes called "pores" to suck in water and pump it through the interior of the Sponge. As the water is filtered through the Sponge oxygen and food are removed. There are many different types of Sponge ranging in shape from balls to ropes. Sponges are one of the few animals that have no known protective defense mechanism or response to any threatening organism.

more to come soon ...

[lReef lKeeper]

Sponges are very simple organisms while at the other extreme, the tunicates are highly developed animals including a nervous system. Identification is often quite difficult for both of these groups as growth patterns are strongly affected by environmental conditions so shape and color can be quite variable. Both groups produce thin encrusting as well as lumpy shaped masses. In general the sponges are more colorful.

Orange sponges come in a number of forms. The Orange ball sponge (Cinachyra sp.) is a distinct ball shape while the encrusting orange sponge (Mycale laevis) and the orange lumpy sponge (Ulosa hispida) can have many shapes. There are also yellow boring sponges (Siphodictyon sp. and Clioa sp.) that can appear as yellow dots or an encrusting mass. Red encrusting sponge masses (Diplastrella sp.) offer another attractive type. Encrusting tunicates can also be found that include brown (Botrylis sp.), red, blue-grey (Tridemnum sp.), white (Didemnum sp.), etc. The most dramatic are the blue sponges.

Sponges may be a useful addition to reef tanks as they are filter feeders specializing in very small particles such as bacteria and smaller. Because they feed on such small particles, from several microns to less than a micron, they may not be competing with other filter feeders that eat zooplankton or algae. In theory they could reduce bacterial levels in the water taking out things that pass through the finest mechanical filters. One problem with sponges is that they don't ship well dry. In fact some are reported to do poorly if taken from the water even briefly.

Though plant-like in appearance, sponges are actually one of the most primitive animals in the sea. They belong to a group called porifera. Most of us are familiar with the dried colorless varieties that populate the kitchens and bathrooms of the world. But in the ocean, live sponges can be found in an infinite variety of colors and shapes. Most of them are relatively small, but some varieties can grow to over 6 feet in diameter. Sponges differ from all other marine invertebrates in that they have no true tissues or organs. Their structure is composed of simple aggregations of cells. The name porifera means pore bearer. The tissue of sponges encloses a vast network of chambers and canals that connect to the open pores on their surface. Sponges feed by drawing a current of water in through their pores, filtering out the nutrients, and then ejecting it out through an opening. Many sponges on the reef resemble some of the corals in shape and color, but upon closer inspection the difference is apparent. They are one of the many life forms unique to the ocean environment. Sea squirts are very similar to sponges in appearance. They belong to a group called chordata. They are usually found growing in clusters on rocks. Like sponges, they filter particles of food from the water by pumping it through tiny pores and then expelling it through a central opening.

Tube Sponge
(Callyspongia ******lis)
The Tube Sponge is one of the most common varieties of sponge to be found on the reef. It is distinguished by its long tube-shaped growths, and ranges in color from purple to blue, gray, and gray-green. Filtered water is ejected through the large openings on the ends. This is one of the few reef invertebrates that is blue in color.

Vase Sponge
(Ircinia campana)
The Vase Sponge is a common species found in the Caribbean off the eastern coast of Florida. It is characterized by a large bell shape with a deep central cavity. This sponge grows up to 2 feet wide and 3 feet high. It ranges in color from purple to red and brown, and is found attached to rocks near the sandy bottoms.

Yellow Sponge
(Cleona celata)
This small Yellow Sponge species is commonly found throughout the Pacific coastal waters of the United States. It is found growing in small colonies, and ranges in color from orange to bright yellow. This sponge and can be found encrusting rocks on the reef face.

Red Tree Sponge
(Haliclona compressa)
This bright red sponge species is very common throughout the Caribbean Sea. This sponge usually grows to a height of about 8 inches. This is one species that is easy to keep and can do relatively well in a home aquarium environment. These sponges require a moderate water flow and dim light to do well.

Common Sea Squirt
(Didemnum molle)
This species of sea squirt is very common on the reef, and is usually found in deep water. It can be found encrusting the rocks in large colonies. This squirt's leathery bag-like body has a white and gray or brown spotted exterior with a bright green interior. It is sometimes introduced into the aquarium on live rock.

Painted Tunicate
(Clavelina picta)
The tunicates are very similar to sea squirts. They take water in through a large opening where nutrients are filtered out. The water is then expelled through another opening. Painted tunicates are about 3/4 inch long and commonly grow in colonies. They are found in translucent red, purple, and yellow colors.

[at]

This post is going on forever and changed big time. The sponges kind of seem a little difficult too keep, I am thinking of getting the anenome clownfish tank. Does anyone know if you can get a metal halide or pc for a little 20 gal tank.

[dakar]

Sure you can, depending on how much light and what type you are looking for, power compacts are available in a variety of lengths, they and halides are easily had, depending on the dimensions of the tank even T5s can be done. There are a lot of options available.

[lReef lKeeper]

or you can DIY metal halide as Dakar did, see link below ...


http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=1719

i am gonna do this to my frag tank (29gal) and my anemone/clown tank (29gal).

[Fatman]

or you can DIY metal halide as Dakar did, see link below ...


http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=1719

i am gonna do this to my frag tank (29gal) and my anemone/clown tank (29gal).

It works!!

I put this for my girlfriends 10 gallon. Dont remember to keep the water cool though.

[at]

I will try that ,thanks man.

[lReef lKeeper]

not a problem, thats why i am here. to help and be helped.

[pettee86]

AT - I have done this with the fuge. I have a 20g next to my display. I've tapped off the return to the display and routed it to the fuge. The fuge drains into the sump. Works great. No chance of flooding, just be sure that your sump can handle the extra water that will drain from the fuge.
This is the only pic I have.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/pettee86/CIMG1862.jpg

[mattsfishin2989]

yea dude just get an over flow box and a u tube and run it but it would be better if you could the 20 gal behind your display that would be better, but my top suggestion is to keep that tank as a quarantine and go buy an accrylic refuge and u tube it behind the display thats what i did but i put a wet/dry and a skimmer in mine so its totally pimped out and what a difference it made, that extra skimmer and live plants eliminated all of my algae problems even though i still have a little bit of hair algae here and there but you cant get it all. But seriously just get one of those hang on the backs that are like 4 inches deep and like 20 inches wide and like 18 inches long