[MatthewR]

hello, I want to take the tidepool2 system that i got as a package deal from the lfs when I got my fish tank. I have a 75G tank. The tidepool2, basically works like this overflow box--tubing to the top of one side, drains down through 2 mesh filters, and pools into an overflow area where a big biowheel spins-- then it pours out into the main area which is probably 15-20 worth of room if I wanted to use it to the top-- I have my PS in there, and then the pump returning it back to the top. I want to add an area to made this refugium that I have been reading about. I still have room in my stand, if I need to just build something kind of tall and narrow next to the tidepool2 system. I plan on building my own sump/refugium down the road, way down that is. I have spent alot of money, more then I wanted to this soon. I have about #60-70 pounds of LR in my tank now, and some base rock that is turning into LR which I could always get some more small pieces from lfs. Does anyone thing this would be possible?? Basically I want to put in a sand bed, and a place to have cheato in there, something not more then 10"across, and probably 8-12" high, and about 8"wide. And just have it flow into the refuguim and then back out again, going to a part where the pump and skimmer would be to return back up to the tank? Any ? or help is appreciated. I will put a pic of the tidepool2 tomorrow.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I helped a guy build a fuge out of a rubbermaid tub that sits on top of his sump on a couple of small boards.It is gravity fed from the main drain line and flows directly into his return section.All you need is a bulkhead for 1/2 pvc and a few feet of 1/2 inch pipe and a couple of fittings.The tub is about 10x18x24 and has 4 inch's of sand in the bottom with about 75 gallons an hour flow.The type of lighting you will need depends on how much space you have left from the top of the tub to the bottom of the stand.

[MatthewR]

OK, I am probably just going to make my own little hang on refugium that will fit up again the tidepool system. I have the room under my tank. I am just wondering on a few things, one the little bugs people put in there, how do they get back up to the main tank? the return pump has a mesh filter over the pump? Would I have to take it off so they get pumped back up to the main tank? And now the other question, could I just put some live sand in the bottom of the tidepool system, and put some clams in there or something else? I havn't seen any algae growing in it? and I don't want the little snails crawling out of the tidepool, so would they stay in there all there own? The refugium that I am thinking about building will be something like 12" wide, by 10" long, and probably 12-15" high, and jsut have it flow back into the tidepool where the return pump is, is this enough area to grow some cheato.? And how often does anyone thing I would have to trim it? and I hear about it going sexual? I hear just keeping the light on 24/7 will stop this. I think that is all I have on Questions for now. Any help would be awesome.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

The pods will have to go thru the return pump,I am guessing its like a carnival ride for them lol.The filter on the pump is not needed,just take it off.What kind of clams are you talking about?You will have to add the cheato and it doesnt go asexul.When the fuge looks clogged with cheato just pull some out and shake it hard in the water,the pods will come off and wash into the main tank.the size of the fuge seems good to me.Run the fuge lights on the oposite cycle as the tank lights.This will help keep co2 and your ph ballanced.Cheato does not go asexual.

[MatthewR]

hey thanks so much man, I plan on doing the little project probably within the next week or so. My wife and I are having a family union- celebrate our wedding infront of them next week, so I can't spend too much time on the tank, she will get mad. LOL But thanks think you have answered my question very well.