I moved about six months ago, had to get rid of two 75 gallon reefs. Now, I really want a new one, but am limited for space. I have a 30 gallon tank, some lights and equipment, but will probably have to go sumpless to have room for automation equipment in the stand. (I'm gone several weeks sometimes.) I'm considering a Remora HOT skimmer, closed loop w/two seaswirls, and a hang-on 'fuge. Does this sound good, and does anyone have experience with the AquaFuge? It's size, combined with the tank, is about the max room I have. I plan on SPS, a few LPS, and a clam, plus one or two fish, maybe a gorgonian.
opinions on AquaFuge
- Thread starter dale nilson
- Start date
I've got an 18" on a 65 gallon. I grow Chaetomorpha in it. It grows like crazy and is a great benfit to the water quality. The product is solidly built. The only thing that may be of concern is the small rio attached to the aquafuge. Mine is a bit noisy sometimes. it can be replaced with other cheap pumps however.. If you do decide to go with is, grab one of the small jali lights that come with the acrylic light stands. If you need details let me know.
I had an almost identical setup. I had a 29 long tank w/ a HOB Remora skimmer and a HOB CPR Fuge (the longer one).
The fuge rocked the spot. The only thing I would say is to point the fuge light in the side not over the top. The fuge is too narrow for light to penetrate to the bottom if the light source is above it. I had great macro growth, awesome pod cultivation, all that good stuff
The fuge rocked the spot. The only thing I would say is to point the fuge light in the side not over the top. The fuge is too narrow for light to penetrate to the bottom if the light source is above it. I had great macro growth, awesome pod cultivation, all that good stuff
My dear, bigger is always better! 
Or, barring that, how about "as big as you can go"? Oh! I'm killing myself here..
If the 'fuge is bigger, it will have more capacity to do a lot of things, include increase total water volume. For my tastes, I like to add somewhere between 1/3 -1/2 the display water volume, as a minimum starting point. But! That cannot negate the utility of the thing at just about any size/volume you can set up.
From this link I get this product info: "OFCP-RF18 | 18" x 4" x 12". This unit would provide, empty, by outer measurements, a total of just under 3.75 gallons. This is only about ten percent total empty tank volume, however, I still believe it would be quite useful.
Or, barring that, how about "as big as you can go"? Oh! I'm killing myself here.. If the 'fuge is bigger, it will have more capacity to do a lot of things, include increase total water volume. For my tastes, I like to add somewhere between 1/3 -1/2 the display water volume, as a minimum starting point. But! That cannot negate the utility of the thing at just about any size/volume you can set up.
From this link I get this product info: "OFCP-RF18 | 18" x 4" x 12". This unit would provide, empty, by outer measurements, a total of just under 3.75 gallons. This is only about ten percent total empty tank volume, however, I still believe it would be quite useful.
Refresh my memory ... you're an LFS owner, aren't you? You sound like one
Your statement is not exactly true. There is a desireable ratio, and there does exist a point at which it's pointless or detrimental to have an overly huge refugium. What would you say if I had a 1,000 gallon fuge for my 2.5 gallon shoebox tank? Doesn't make sense, does it? I know that's a silly example, but it makes the point.
Hwarang":3agmhfgl said:
Refresh my memory ... you're an LFS owner, aren't you? You sound like one
Your statement is not exactly true. There is a desireable ratio, and there does exist a point at which it's pointless or detrimental to have an overly huge refugium. What would you say if I had a 1,000 gallon fuge for my 2.5 gallon shoebox tank? Doesn't make sense, does it? I know that's a silly example, but it makes the point.
No, I just played one on tv.
I didn't think that my statement warranted declaration of withholding extreme situations, but let's take your example and run with it in a different direction - open systems. That is to say, let's say you have a display that can actually be filled with water directly from the sea. I'd have to say that trumps your measly 1,000 gallon : 2.5 gallon ratio there, and my answer would be, emphatically, yes, do it! Now, reverse it, and let's say you wanted a 2.5 gallon 'fuge for a 1,000 gallon system. At that point, what's the point, we're talking about a volume difference that is points of percentage points in water volume of the 'fuge - display ratio. Works FAR less well than the previous example, and at that point I would say, "Why bother?"
I hope I've made my point.
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