Since the refugium sides and bottom will not require great strength or thickness because there won't be any water pressure (weight) to deal with, 1/8" glass (standard window pane) will work quite well.
The graphics above show the refugium hanging from the back of the tank, however you can hang a refugium from the front or sides, also. Just keep in mind that the water levels in the refugium and the tank will be level with each other.
You can use a small powerhead to pump water from the tank into the refugium or hook a small hose to the air inlet of many powerheads and suck the water out of the refugium. With either method, a "U" shaped siphon hose is used to replenish or vent the water in the refugium.
Medium duty plastic clamps can be used to attach the refugium to the inside of the aquarium.
Materials List:
- 5 pieces 1/8" glass (Pre-measured and cut).
- Silicone caulking.
- Powerhead.
- Flexible plastic hose or PVC pipe and 2 PVC "L's".
Construction:
- Assemble refugium according to instructions in >DIY Glass Aquarium.
- Install refugium in tank.
- Fill refugium with tank water.
- Clamp refugium to inside of tank.
- Fill siphon hose with tank water and hang it over the side of the refugium.
- Install powerhead inside tank.
- Attach either powerhead air inlet hose or exhaust hose to powerhead and place other end in the refugium.
- Plug powerhead into wall outlet.
- Check water flow to make sure that the refugium does not overflow.
