Which HOB Fuge setup would you use?

[southpaw23]

Hi...

 

Not having much luck/response in the refugium forum so i just thought i'd bring it over to the general session to see if it's any better :ermm:

 

I've been debating for quite a while now on which one of these two routes to take....my problem is that i don't have access to an aquafuge in Malaysia and was planning on building a glass tank with a similar design to the aquafuge or the one that accrilicity builds....and the other option would be to go for a normal HOB filter (between the size of an AC 300 and 500) and convert it to a HOB Fuge.....

 

Here's the pro's and con's that i see in both....

 

Aquafuge design

Pro:

1. Larger volume (approx 4-5g) allowin for more room for macroalgae

2. able to have a DSB to assist in denitrification

3. safe refuge to grow pod population (do i need to worry about how the pods are makin their way back to the main tank?)

4. able to add carbon when needed (though i haven't really figured out how i'll be able to do it or place it)

 

Cons:

1. Need to address overflow issues when power get's cut off....

2. doesn't offer much added flow to tank (i could be wrong here)

3. doesn't break water surface (which i suppose could be countered with a simple overflow box)

4. Lastly having to figure out how to place the fuge behind the tank, glass would be too heavy to hang on the back of the tank. I was planning on just sitting the fuge at the back of the tank at an elevated height (but that would mean i need a deeper stand than what i already have.)

 

HOB Filter

Pro:

1. Simple and easy, able to use right out of the box

2. breaks water surface and adds to overall flow rate in tank

3. safe refuge to grow pod population (would too much flow hinder their population growth?)

4. Able to add carbon when needed

 

Cons:

1. Small size not allowing for much macroalgae (is this sufficient in aiding in the removal of phosphates and nutrients?) - Frankly one of my biggest concerns followed by the lack of a DSB

2. Not able to have a DSB to aid in the denitrification process

3. Possible flow issues (although there is a control on the HOB to limit it's flow...i don't know if the reduced flow is still not too strong for the fuge)

 

Sorry for the long thread....i haven't been able to set up the tank yet coz i'll be moving in 2-3 months and don't wanna have to go through the hassle of transporting a cycled or stocked tank...so i've had nuthing better to do but research, research and more research...

 

Well....do tell which route you would pick if you had the choice to do it all over again...and if you're already happy with the route you picked...lemme know which one that would be......

[ELGORDOINAVW]

i say go with the aq500 it's soooooo easy to turn into a fuge. if you are concerned with flow do what i did. i used a ph to pump water into the aq500 via pvc. then i used a spraybar inside the fuge. cheers-

 

oh yeah it works great.

[mane3215]

I am working with a guy now, he is very cool, and helpful. He designed me a 14x11.5x4.5" fuge, and now is getting me a 18x12x4.5" for my new 20l. It comes with an overflow box and all kinds of good stuff. I have not received it yet, but it seems to be very high quality, and he has a lot of good feedback on ebay.

 

I have some pics of the 14" he got for me, but am to lazy to upload them right now. Maybe later. If you are interested pm me your addy and i will forward the pics or give you his addy.