Refugium Size Recommendations

[Mattquist]

I am trying to design a refugium/Skimmer sump for my 55gal tank for future SPS/soft corals. I want to use the refugium primarily for Macro algae growth to control nutients in the water. I plan on using a My reef creations MR-1 skimmer also. I've searched the net, but I'm still not sure as to what size the refugium section should be. Any one have any experience with this size tank/setup?
Thanks,
Matt

 

[MediaOne]

Go half your main aquarium size or larger!

That is not a textbook definition, that is my personal opinion. I put a 50 gallon refugium on my 90 gallon tank a while back and my tank has never looked better.

Cheers!

 

[Mattquist]

Also, how much water flow should there be? I am calculating on my overflow-return at approx. 500GPH (Mag7 for the return, approx 3ft head), and the inflow/outflow from the skimmer being plumbed into the refugium. I don't know if this is going to be too much current

 

[wasabi]

a 20 or 30 gallon makes a great refugium for a 55.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've seen HUGE sumps on small reef tanks.The productivity and usefullness of the sump is what REALLY counts.I have a 20 gallon sump/refugium plumbed to my 220 gallon reef.It supplies 'pods for my anthias and other fish, worms and aiptasia for my butterflyfish,and grows 4 or 5 types of macroalgae.I've also seen 'sterile' sumps {as large as the viewing tank they are hooked up to} doing relatively NOTHING for the system!