Refugium Flow Equalization from Main Tank

[Mugg1977]

I have a 55 AGA Megaflow with an AquaClear Pro150 Sump. I am adding a seperate 12 gallon as my refugium and plumbing it seperately as well.

My plumbing for the refugium is as follows: I am using the U-Tube and Overflow box only from the Aquaclear Pro150 (no skimmer/weir box). I have the u-tube inside the Megaflow in the main tank siphoning to the overflow box and then draining into the refugium. The return from the refugium is routed over the back of the tank and out from the side of the Megaflow opposite the sump return.

I have started the siphon using airline tubing, but cannot get the flow rates to equalize. If I leave more air in the top of the U-tube, the refugium drains, and if I get the U-tube completely filled, the refugium floods.

How do I equalize the flow rates?

John Tschudin

 

[Mugg1977]

Actually, what I am looking for is the flow rate of a 1" diameter U-tube. Does anyone know this? Thanks.

 

[wrightme43]

Man are you sure? If you have a mega overflow (duruso standpipe) and a u-tube over flow going to seperate system, I dont believe that it is going to ever do what you want it to. T ing your fuge to inline with the sump will work. In my mind if I try to match return pump flow to my maximum out put of my overflow, I am asking for trouble. Soon the overflow will begin to coat up and clog slightly then I pump my fuge dry, or if power goes out the overflow is going to flood my floor. I would not recommend what you are trying to do. Its your tank though and you should do what you feel is best for it. Just think about the results of power outage or pump failure and the results of loss of overflow volume on your system.

 

[wanareef]

I agree with wrightme43 - will flood as you have already found out.
You can "T" off your return pump with a valve and try and match that with a PH in the fuge. The problem with the "U" tube, it'll siphon all the way down to the bottom of the tube and all of this water will be on the floor.

a 1" will flow 600gph

 

[sryder]

if the refugium is right above the sump you can do as wrightme says and use a t on the sump pump. you could have a 1" hole drilled in the side of the refugium. plumb it with a bulkhead and a 90. than let gravity take over..