[GoinSalt]

I added a refugium last week. Bought it off a guy from craigslist. It already had a DSB and some macro growing in it.

I hooked it up and notice a few things:
1. There are three compartments —*overflow, 'fuge and return. There are no baffles and I notice i get a ton of microbubbles in the tank when the water level in the return department drops even a couple inches. Right now, I keep the water level even with partition between the 'fuge and return. Does anyone know a way of getting rid of the bubbles without adding baffles? As it is, I don't know where I would put baffles anyway.

2. Evaporation seems to be a huge problem. It's pretty much an open top and with the 100w grow light suspended above the 'fuge, the water evaporates at an alarming rate - 1 1/2 to 2 gallons a day. Could I put some kind of cover over the overflow and return portions to cut down on the water loss?

3. When the water dumps into the overflow, there is a "flushing" effect every 10 to 20 seconds. I made a durso standpipe there is a flushing effect in there as well, where the water level drops about an inch to an 1 1/2. I use the spa flex hose and its a little long so as it drops down from the aquarium overflow, it "Ls" before entering the attachment for the 'fuge. Do you think if I cut this down and put it directly into the bottom of the 'fuge, it would solve the "flushing?"

Nate

[Steven Pro]

1.) You can get rid of the microbubbles very easily by sliding a bit of foam over the pump intake. E.G. Danner/Supreme makes these specifically for their pumps. It will stop the bubbles from making their way back into the tank and will stop debris from damaging the pump, but it has its drawbacks as well. For one, it is something else to clean. It should be taken out 1-2 times per week and rinsed off. Additionally, it will slow the flow of water from your return pump a bit, more so as the sponge gets dirty/clogged with debris, i.e. if you don't take the time to clean it often enough.

2.) Yes

3.) You need to vent the air that is getting sucked in a trapped. The drilled hole at the top of your Durso may not be big enough or could be clogged with salt spray or dust.

[GoinSalt]

As for my standpipe, I've already drilled, like, four or five holes. Should I drill more? How quickly can the holes get clogged? I've only had it operational for a couple weeks.

[johnny gray]

i think you have drilled to many holes.I use a valve to control the water flow.A lot of my Friends drill a 1/8" hole through the end cap close to the bottom so it go's through the PVC and you can adjust it by twisted it to adjust the flow
the valve I use can be bought at hd for $4.99 its in the plumbing department it is a plastic threaded valve for Rodi units

[maypo59]

I have had great luck (and peace and quiet) from using NO durso, just a straight piece of pvc, with a piece of 3/8 tubing run down into and suspended into the flow, and I am dropping 8 feet to the basement.