Build or buy fuge

[MattL]

So we are building a new tank, however I am concerned about using the old fuge due to manjos. So we re going to start from scratch. My question is do I buy or build a fuge? If I buy I need something to filter a 130g, but if I build what size tank and how do you cut the glass dividers? Thi will contribute to the guitar an cave build...

 

[Dr.DiSilicate]

Build or buy fuge

Glass shops will cut and seam the edges of the glass for you. I'd build it if I were you. I've built a few, really easy if you are a little handy. One of the easiest diy's

 

[MartinsReef]

I built mine out of acrylic for less than $150

 

[MattL]

So for a 130g what size of tank and how do I future out the size of the three chambers for the skimmer, fuge and return?

 

[Smiley]

build your own... find a used 75g, and get some baffles cut...

 

[Cake_Boss]

Re: Build or buy fuge

What size of chambers do you need? What's the footprint of your skimmer? What's the water depth for it? Footprint of return? Min water level before it starts sucking air? I like as large a refugium as I can muster.

That said, I'm doing a one baffle (to keep crap out of return chamber) sump.


Or do what Smiley said

 

[MartinsReef]

Mine was easy because it is the same foot print as my tank since it is only 2x2.

 

[MattL]

All good questions...I will have to measure. The current 125 I want to guess has a 30 gallon fuge. So I'd say I would use a 55g, with a foot skimmer, 2 foot fuge and one foot return. Give or take a few inches for the chamber separations.

 

[rlklassy]

I built mine when i very first started and i love it. still use it to this day and it was like...50 bucks after shopping around for the acrylic and the tank, silicone, ect. View attachment 11617 View attachment 11618 View attachment 11619

 

[Cake_Boss]

Re: Build or buy fuge

Or make it out of plywood, no specialty tools required

 

[Smiley]

if your patient, im building a 75g sump to replace my 46g sump/fuge.

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[MattL]

How patient?

 

[Smiley]

how soon are you needing one?