Side-by-side refugium help needed please...

[Anonymous]

I have a 20-long tank that I'm attempting to convert into a refugium. I have two Maxijet 1200 powerheads, one for the main tank (75 gallon reef) and one for the refugium. They both have tubing connected that pumps into the other. I need to have both powerheads at the same level to achieve the same flow rate so one tank does not overflow, correct? I had the 20G on the floor and it overflowed (stupid me for not checking here first).

Can someone give me advice? Is the only thing I need to do acquiring a stand to make the 20G the same height as the 75?

Thanks in advace.

Peace,

Chip

 

[danmhippo]

I would recommend one tank is higher than the other. Just pump the water to the higher tank and let gravity do the rest. It does not have to be too much taller, a couple of inches should do.

Whichever tank is higher, I would drill 2 hole, the lower one for the normal drain level, and another higher hole for emergency drain if somehow the first drain clogs. The drilling on the glass for the drain hole is the safest method to let the higher tank water flow by gravity. Attaching a siphon box is extremely unreliable. So is working with 2 maxijets, there is always a chance one pump would output more then the other and flooding ensues.

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
It is very difficult to make two powerhead to pump at the same rate. Theoretically speaking, you need identical powerhead, and with the water level on both tank to be the same (not the position of the powerheads), same connection, etc., but the fact of the matter is, sooner or later, one of them will deviate from the norm, and you will have an flood.

An easier way to do this is to install an overflow in one of the tanks, and put a pump on the other one.

 

[danmhippo]

Yes, you can, just raise the refugium 4" higher then the top of the main tank. Drill a hole on the glass, attach hoses for the water to drain down into the main tank.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd like to be able to do this without drilling the tank, so I'll just get an overflow box...

Peace,

Chip

 

[whusband]

rather than using an overflow box, you could just use some durable plastic tubing - (perferably hard like an overflow box uses, except longer). as long as it is sturdy enough to stay in position, and big enough to have a good throughput, then you'd be fine. i'm planning on doing this soon for my tank. i want my sump to siphon down into a refugium. i'm just gonna raise the sump up on a phone book and put a tube in.

 

[sharkdude]

a U tube would work too.

two tanks at same height connected by a few inverted U tubes. Pump from one tank to the other and tubes will maintain same water height in both tanks.
use multiple tubes in case one clogs (ie snail) and to add flow capacity.

I agree with others. Gravity feed is best. just make sure drain line does not clog.

 

[Anonymous]

Hrm...there are 300gph overflows, but the Maxijet 1200 is only 295 gph. This will not work, eh?

This sucks...I just want a refugium I can watch instead of one underneath the tank stand...

Please advise...

-Chip

 

[whusband]

So what did you end up doing? I'm planning on going to the hardware store today to try and find a solution to do the same thing, except under my tank in the stand.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm planning on the gravity thing after raising the 20 gallon to the same height, but it's been put on hold b/c I've been too busy to mess with it. Maybe this weekend at some point. I'll be getting four U-tubes and some tubing, and having that set up.

Peace,

Chip