Above tank refugium question about bubbles

lepageg · 04-20-2002, 12:56 PM

I'm in the process of setting up an above tank refugium feeding a 90g reef.

At one end of the main tank, I have a ss return from my sump, at the other end, my overflow box feeding into my sump.( yeh I know I should have had my tank drilled when I set it up the reef 2 year ago, live and learn). Anyways I have to live with this overflow box, btw flow rate in and out is about 1400 gph.

My plan is to split my return from my sump to feed the refugium and overflow the refugium on the overflow side of the main tank. I know its not a good idea but I'm limited in terms of location, and yes bubbles drawn into and breaking my syphon are a concern.

I'll move it if I have to, but I would like to explore the possibility of cutting down the bubbles if at all possible.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

/ger

organicreefer · 04-21-2002, 03:06 AM

put a ball valve on youre refugium overflow and keep the return pipes submerged ,throttle back a hair at a time till no bubbles.hth

bongobrian · 04-23-2002, 09:28 AM

Why not just throw a powerhead into your tank and have it feed the refugium? or is the extra electricity a concern?

lepageg · 04-26-2002, 07:01 PM

Electricity is not an issue...yet....I dont have MH...yet My focus has been on Education, reducing manual intervention, flow and filtration.

I could use an extra pump in my main and that would work, but for now I prefer my design without internal pumps....That might change when I graduate to full sps. Even still I prefer a combination of sea swirls to create chaotic flows. Besides I've got the extra capacity off my main pump, an iwaki 40rlxt running at 6 foot head 3/4 capacity, so I thought I'd use it. In this hobby there are no absolutes just endless possibilities.

Thanks for the response, as well as the earlier one with the ball valve. That would work. Would I need some kink of screen to filter out possible crud?

I've also came up with 2 more possible options.

1. a large pipe about a foot running parallel to the water surface pointing away from the overflow box, 1/2 submerged.

2. to make a u and have it come up near the surface so as to minimize the disturbance.

/ger

04-20-2002, 12:56 PM	#1
lepageg New in Town Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 2	Above tank refugium question about bubbles I'm in the process of setting up an above tank refugium feeding a 90g reef. At one end of the main tank, I have a ss return from my sump, at the other end, my overflow box feeding into my sump.( yeh I know I should have had my tank drilled when I set it up the reef 2 year ago, live and learn). Anyways I have to live with this overflow box, btw flow rate in and out is about 1400 gph. My plan is to split my return from my sump to feed the refugium and overflow the refugium on the overflow side of the main tank. I know its not a good idea but I'm limited in terms of location, and yes bubbles drawn into and breaking my syphon are a concern. I'll move it if I have to, but I would like to explore the possibility of cutting down the bubbles if at all possible. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. /ger

04-23-2002, 09:28 AM	#3
bongobrian Mayor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan Posts: 657	Why not just throw a powerhead into your tank and have it feed the refugium? or is the extra electricity a concern? __________________ Brian For those about to rock... I salute you! www.bongobrian.com Talk to me! aol: bongobrian78 msn: bongobrian@hotmail.com yahoo: bongobrian78

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-21-2002, 03:06 AM	#2
organicreefer Governor Join Date: May 2001 Location: Northern CA Posts: 2,171	put a ball valve on youre refugium overflow and keep the return pipes submerged ,throttle back a hair at a time till no bubbles.hth

04-26-2002, 07:01 PM	#4
lepageg New in Town Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 2	Electricity is not an issue...yet....I dont have MH...yet My focus has been on Education, reducing manual intervention, flow and filtration. I could use an extra pump in my main and that would work, but for now I prefer my design without internal pumps....That might change when I graduate to full sps. Even still I prefer a combination of sea swirls to create chaotic flows. Besides I've got the extra capacity off my main pump, an iwaki 40rlxt running at 6 foot head 3/4 capacity, so I thought I'd use it. In this hobby there are no absolutes just endless possibilities. Thanks for the response, as well as the earlier one with the ball valve. That would work. Would I need some kink of screen to filter out possible crud? I've also came up with 2 more possible options. 1. a large pipe about a foot running parallel to the water surface pointing away from the overflow box, 1/2 submerged. 2. to make a u and have it come up near the surface so as to minimize the disturbance. /ger

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)