Aquarium Sump Refugium- 75 Gallon Reef Tank

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Most popular comments
for Aquarium Sump Refugium- 75 Gallon Reef Tank

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Bill Stewart - 6 years ago

Does your reefkeeper also run the timing of the dossing pumps?

ReeferGil - 6 years ago

Bill Stewart Yes it did. Excellent controller, but at the time it did not have wifi

CUBAN REEFER - 6 years ago

You can use a regular swing check valve to be glue or threaded with barb fitting and still can use the nylon hose
Don't loose track of those SS clamps they sale those but plastics ones on BRS and they are good and strong

ReeferGil - 6 years ago

CUBAN REEFER Thanks for the tips.

FL SHarkvictim - 6 years ago

I am currently running the Phosphate remover PO4X4.. FYI, it's 4 times stronger then BRS HC GFO! Also, you use a lot less then BRS GFO! STUFF IS AWESOME...

ReeferGil - 6 years ago

I was referring to myself as being "new", lol. 30 years, wow!!! I'll give it a closer look now that I know. Thank you!

FL SHarkvictim - 6 years ago

New - lol, been in the hobby for over 30 years! Anyways, give that PO4X4 a shot and you will never buy GFO again!

ReeferGil - 6 years ago

Ive never tried the PO4. I've had success with BRS's GFO. Lots of options out there, makes picking just one difficult when you're new.

wcdeich4 - 7 years ago

I have a Chaeto problem. At first it grows well, but then tiny bits of it turn white & die. I have bright lights that I run all day & fairly stable salinity. I do not have any animals yet, but I am dosing 2 drops of Excel Flourish each day. I don't if it maybe grows until it exceeds the amount of fertilizer available, then starts to die?? I also have 1 small live rock w/ Coralline algae & diatoms on it in the system.

ReeferGil - 7 years ago

If your tank doesnt have animals in it, it may not be producing enough nutrients for the Chaeto to eat. Not sure what the additives you're using do or how they work.

wcdeich4 - 7 years ago

I also have a little Rio Nano Protein skimmer (which works well after I modified it) - I actually have to change the collection cup every couple of days, or even more often.... I know that is pulling nutrients out of the water, but, w/out it the water gets cloudy w/ too much of the "beneficial" bacteria..... so I'm not sure what to do. I just set up my tiny tank as a test so see if a salt water tank could work for me at all after white slime always killed my fresh water tanks. So far everything is good,except after the chaeto grows for a while, it always gets some white bits in it....

Franklin Michael - 8 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHvjmrf35Q how do you like this refugium?

Franklin Michael - 8 years ago

do copepods eat cheato?

Franklin Michael - 8 years ago

+Edward Lind-Holm I know, but I don't think they eat macroalgae that's why I ask

Edward Lind-Holm - 8 years ago

+Franklin Michael They eat algae - and Phytoplankton.

Franklin Michael - 8 years ago

+ReeferGil What do they eat? phyto?

ReeferGil - 8 years ago

+Franklin Michael Not to my knowledge. They use the cheato to hide though.

Daniel Anthony - 8 years ago

How long have you used the Marineland led light for? I recently bought one for my refugium but Idk if I'm able to leave it on 24/7 without it going dim or having to replace it early. How's the growth with it?

ReeferGil - 8 years ago

I used it for about a year 24/7. it's a decent fug light. I didn't notice dimming.

Fred Beer - 8 years ago

Hey reefer gil I was wondering how you dealt with the asterina stars you had?

Cjx0r - 8 years ago

Very nice build. Pristine water. How well does that ROX 0.8 work in that media bag? Such a premium grade of carbon, I would send it through it's own reactor. That or you can mix the GFO and carbon in the same reactor, but in that case, I would plug up the empty space so the media doesn't tumble too much. Used properly, the GFO can benefit from the addition of the mixed carbon by hindering it's ability to solidify without having to tumble the media, which in this case would grind down the carbon.

ReeferGil - 8 years ago

+Cjx0r Thanks for watching, this is an older video, but I still use the ROX. The ROX is run in a reactor. You can check out more recent videos if you'd like. There one about the equipment I run if you're interested.

10. comment for Aquarium Sump Refugium- 75 Gallon Reef Tank

Mr JackBurton - 9 years ago

Hi gil, my 55 has been up and running well since late november. I run carbon & rowaphos in the same reactor you have and its mounted under the stand with the pump in tank as i have no sump. I was wondering what are the measurements of your refugium up to the water line (total water volume). I was thinking of adding a large hang on to mine a friend has one for cheap and i thought i could transfer some if my LR to it. With a 55 every inch of space counts. Not sure if cheato would make a difference but id give it a go. I also would like a place to put a meadia bag if needed. Thanks.

ReeferGil - 9 years ago

Hey Mr JackBurton, I don't know how it was I missed your post, but I did. Sorry about that. I have changed out sumps since this video was done, here is a more recent sump video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIUdZhNdf7U. I've been running the Trigger Systems Ruby 36. It does about 35 gallons and the refugium has a water line of 9.5". Even with my larger system, I still fight to find room for stuff, lol.

brawler1948 - 9 years ago

Not trying to insult, just inquisitive: Why run carbon? Doesn't this deplete valuable nutrients in the water that your coral uses for food and photosynthesis if used for an extended period of time? If I used carbon (which I don't), I would only use it for a short amount of time to clear up cloudy water.

brawler1948 - 9 years ago

+ReeferGil Thanks I shall check out your newer video! I actually have a similar set up as yours. But I am using the Pro flex 2 sump refugium with the same size tank as yours! I am in the process of building it up underneath, so this was very helpful. Thanks for posting it.

ReeferGil - 9 years ago

+brawler1948 Your question is valid. I use the carbon and change it out once a month (should be changed out more often). I do once a month changes because that's when the GFO gets depleted so I like to change them out together. I have bleached out my corals at the very beginning because I put too much carbon in my reactor and it did exactly what you said, striped out my nutrients and the corals paid the price. I dose Zeovit supplement products which work best in low nutrient systems. I also like to run the carbon to remove any toxins the corals can release, especially the corals that fight for territory. No two systems are alike as there are a variety of different ways to skin a cat in this hobby. I stuck with the carbon because it worked for me, that's not to say I'd push someone who has a system without carbon to run it. This is an older video, if you have time check out my latest update. Hope that sort of made you understand why I chose carbon. Thanks for the post!

alex plays - 9 years ago

what kind of stand you have any where did you get it

ReeferGil - 9 years ago

+Jeff Cundiff Hey Jeff, do NOT get the stand I bought. I bought it simply because it was black. It's not tall enough and the doors were way too small (I actually modified the doors to make them larger). As far as the brand, I have no idea. I purchased mine from my local fish store. It's one of my biggest regrets as far as equipment goes, LOL. I'd go with a stand at least 36" tall with large doors.

786free1 - 9 years ago

Nice set up. However I'm surprised that you have red slime when you have gfo, miracle mud, skimmer, macro algae and carbon and very little live stock!
Any way, what light system do you have for your display tank, looks very clean.

786free1 - 9 years ago

Thanks

ReeferGil - 9 years ago

+786free1 The Cyano bacteria seems to be present in almost every system and just waiting for the right conditions to show it's slimy face. I do run a "clean" system meaning I try for a low nutrient system without the Zeovit stones. I'm running the Aquaillumination Vega LED lights. They don't have UV, but I'm pretty happy with them.

Imran - 10 years ago

Hi ReeferGil. What is that really loud constant humming noise in your sump? The protein skimmer? one of the pumps? I understand that the majority of the noise is gone once your close the doors on your stand but it's still there no? This doesn't bother you?

ReeferGil - 10 years ago

Very cool, welcome to the hobby!!! Believe me, we ALL want to go bigger after a little while. Having fish tanks or any kind can get tricky if set up in a bedroom, especially if you're sensitive to the noise level. "Near-silent" is the best you will get though. Every system will have some noise. If you need a hand, they're are plenty of people in the community that are willing to jump in and lend a hand. If you're not subbed to a forum, I would suggest doing that too. Good luck!

Imran - 10 years ago

+ReeferGil
Well, I'm currently cycling my first ever fish tank. It's a 37 gallon and I'm already planning to upgrade to a 75 this summer :) Since this is in my bedroom, I notice even the slightest of noises from it. I got a CPR Bak Pak HOB protein skimmer and the sound from it is driving me insane so I've been looking for a quiet HOB skimmer. I eventually want to build a near silent 75 gallon setup. Since I just got into the hobby I'm not sure if this is even possible. Anyway, thanks for the reply, keep making videos and have a great weekend!

ReeferGil - 10 years ago

That would be my MaxiJex 1200 pump running the reactor. It was a bit loud. I have since changed it out to a Cobalt MJ1200 pump... much better than the MaxiJet IMO. However, there is going to be noise coming from the sump no matter how high tech you go. Like you said, it's more noticeable with the doors open than with them shut. I can sleep on the couch (when my wife kicks me out of the bedroom) comfortably with the tank about 15' away. Yes there is noise coming from it but the noise level would be fine with some and bothersome to others. I honestly don't notice the noise anymore.

william wulffleff - 10 years ago

Just a thought maybe having the increased flow due to less head loss the red slime went away. I heard somewhere it likes lower flow.

william wulffleff - 10 years ago

Yeah chemi-clean is wonderful

ReeferGil - 10 years ago

That may have helped, but I've seen slime in other systems in high flow areas. Nasty stuff. I ended up getting rid of it with ChemiClean, I posted a video if you're interested.

MrPebaa - 10 years ago

Does you hydor make a clicking noise when the pumps
turn on/off?

DIY Sensei - 10 years ago

good video! and nice set up.

tonyizcool - 10 years ago

What lights are on the main tank

ReefGeekTV - 11 years ago

Hi, I'm looking for a good LED solution for my refugium, you stated that you have a marineland light. Is it working well for you, and if so what is the model that you have?

20. comment for Aquarium Sump Refugium- 75 Gallon Reef Tank

nitrate buster - 11 years ago

I looks like you have your system set up very nicely Good job on making this video also.

Bobby DeMay - 11 years ago

Also those check valves are great but not perfect as you found out the hard way. When dosing calcium, kalk, alk and all the other supplements it is inevitable that they will have to be cleaned. Thats the great thing about those check valve though is you can easily take them apart and clean them. I clean mine every 3 months to be safe.

Bobby DeMay - 11 years ago

I ran a fuge in my 90 gallon saltwater tank years ago with much success. One thing to keep in mind is the light your using for your fuge will do ok but if you really want that chaeto to grow and pull nutrients out then you will want to get a lower kelvin bulb(7K) from HD for around 25 bucks. I ran fluorescents for months with ok results but it wasn't until I ran a cheapo from HD that the fuge really started to take off. Thanks for sharing

illmanner415 - 11 years ago

Is miracle mud better than sand in your refugium?

Devon Schneidt - 11 years ago

ok thanks

Devon Schneidt - 11 years ago

Just curious, how many pounds of Miracle Mud did you have to use?

Constantino kokkinidis - 11 years ago

What's the first stage of your sump?

Brandon - 11 years ago

can you help me starting a tank and i live in California 1/2 a mile to the nearest beach can i use water from the ocean and if so how do i filter it and nice tank

sbazain - 11 years ago

love the tank ,great system I had a bad phosphate problem and I placed a filter bag with phosban and it has brought it down from 3.0 to 1.0 in about a week's time also it's solving the syno bac. problem. the only thing I need now is my skimmer so I think that will do it looking for a skimmer how much did you pay for yours my system is a 75

Reefphreak - 11 years ago

Awesome job.

30. comment for Aquarium Sump Refugium- 75 Gallon Reef Tank

wakelust - 11 years ago

I have a small powerhead down there stirring it up. Steelo gave a review on the sump and said he was thinking of putting miracle mud in there. I wander if that will be good or just a disaster. I'm too sketchy to do it. You on the forums?

2ShotsDown - 11 years ago

Stop with the blurry fade out hurts the eyes

Chris Baugh - 11 years ago

Hey what proflex sump model do you have.

muffemod - 11 years ago

Great aquascape in the display!

JamesAquariumz - 11 years ago

very nice! 1 question? whats them check lists you do on your doors? about corals or...?

BluntriX - 11 years ago

I think chemi pure is the way to go for carbon.

triumphags - 11 years ago

Tanks looking great! Thanks for the update, look forward to more.

MrTgogo - 11 years ago

Hey buddy, great video, what size of pump are you running your skimmer with? I have the same kind an just wondering what size of power head you are using? Thanks

Madison Freeman - 11 years ago

That is quite the science project you got going. Makes you want to get a 150 gallon so you'll have more room underneath. Everything is looking good. I am using a 40 gallon breeder as my sump and it barely fits in the stand. Looks like you've got everything covered. Keep the updates coming. I'll try to get a new vid up soon. Got alot more corals now.

Madison Freeman - 11 years ago

I have the same skimmer and had the same problem. The way that I fixed it was to cut a small rectangular piece off of a filter sponge block and stick it in the skimmer outlet. This cut the noise and splashing down to almost nothing. Also, I used to 4" PVC pipe couplers and stacked egg-crate light difusers to make a stand to get the skimmer up out of the water. Hope this helps.

Pure4Kicks - 11 years ago

so lost lol

Tyler Herlein - 11 years ago

Good plan. I think I'm gonna pick up some chato next weekend when I'm home and try it out again. My marineland led is just sitting around collecting dust because I stopped using it. Looking forward to future updates

Tyler Herlein - 11 years ago

You could always cut the front on the stand to where you want it and add doors to it with unhinging hinges. Thats what I would do. Also how is that marineland LED working for the cheato? I have one but honestly I didnt thinkvit worked that well for it. Whats your take on it?

Tony Nguyen - 11 years ago

nice setup Bro.

Kyle wong - 11 years ago

Question: what elbow did you use for your reef octopus return? Mine likes to splash everywhere and never thought of putting an elbow there and also what did you use to raise your skimmer the 8 inches?

Jroze37 - 11 years ago

Hey if you go to my page I just uploaded a video showing my hole I was explaining you let me know if you have any questions it will be the video labeled 75 gallon overview or something like that haha

wakelust - 11 years ago

A few weeks now. You have a lip on the fuge where you can cut an 8x13 piece of eggcrate. Also, the mag 7 comes with that pre filter. What have you done about the detritus in the first stage?

Jroze37 - 11 years ago

Ok ill make a short one tonight after I get off work and leave the gym

Jroze37 - 11 years ago

No no not the reactor the elbow at the top of your return pump maybe mine is differnt but I bet it's the same. They drilled a little hole in the corner of the 90 elbow so if water was going to siphon it would stop the siphon if your confused I can make a video later showing you what I mean

Jroze37 - 11 years ago

You could do what my tank plumbing came with.. On the return elbow there's a small hole that will let air in the break the siphon if it happened but it was kinda loud so I got a very small piece of tubing and put it in the hole and let it hang just barley under the water and it works great

50. comment for Aquarium Sump Refugium- 75 Gallon Reef Tank

Aggy Vega - 11 years ago

Nice vid Gil.

drew houdeshell - 11 years ago

Did you put an elbow on the outtake of your skimmer?

Daniel Leon - 11 years ago

Pretty sweet man, crowded but clean!

Garrett Hamm - 11 years ago

Nice setup man! I was thinking of running kalkwasser instead of 2 part. What do you think?

notw21 - 11 years ago

I love how you describe stuff makes it sound like you have been doing this for a long time! the progress from day one to now is amazing dude. Im glad i joined the whole way!

moneymarkj - 11 years ago

Yeah, I hate those check valves! Good video my man, tank is looking good also!

jkirk3348 - 11 years ago

Good informative video, thanks for going into the purposes of each piece of equipment rather than just show them off.

Aquascaping the World by BM - 11 years ago

very nice

LeMasterReef - 11 years ago

Tank looks great, I got a request next time you make a vid can you do a close up shot of the tumbling action of your gfo, so I can use it for reference. Im planning to run a carbon and gfo reactor on my system. I use a carbon and gfo mix on my biocube, but I think purigen is the best for removing phosphates. I got my light coming and rock, and sand to many hours at work to make a video but should have some progress soon.

Ron Marsh - 11 years ago

Looking good bro!!! Looks like a high end setup below, All nice parts to work with. And to have as much stuff as you do, it's very clean the way you have done it all. If you want more room to work, could the top wood of the cabnet be cut out and then replace or make new doors? Also you could replace the hinges so they open right up for you well working below. thumbs up.

rktman56 - 11 years ago

Finding out later that you should have got/bought/made something else, I'm thinking is just part of this hobby. Your setup is good, so that should make you very happy. Now is the process of tuning it to your liking, and it will continue to change, just part of this hobby.

wakelust - 11 years ago

I have the same sump. That;'s I was wanting you to show yours. Haha. I'm thinking of running an external skimmer eventually but it does get crowded. I'm getting ready for a controller and leds for my tank so the skimmer is gonna have to wait. Slime is from fuge being lit 24 hours. Did you put snail down there? I have big snails in main but smaller ones in the fuge.

ML Thom - 11 years ago

Looks impressive. You have been busy man

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