How to Build a Fish Tank Refugium

A refugium tank is a secondary tank attached to an aquarium that can house smaller aquatic animals or live food. These tanks are valuable in aquarium operations. They are an inexpensive addition to an aquatic tank, saving you the expense of having to purchase a larger tank just to accommodate your extra supplies. Creating your own homemade refugium tank can be done in just a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Small aquarium tank
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Drill
  • 1-inch drill bit
  • 2 10-inch-long plastic hoses
  • Sealant
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Empty any aquatic animals and all water from the aquarium. Find or purchase an older aquarium tank much smaller than the original tank. Clean each tank thoroughly with soap and water. Create room around the main aquarium so the smaller addition can sit either beside or behind it. Move the tanks to the desired location while they both are empty because the weight of the water will make it difficult to move them when the tanks are filled.

    • 2

      Detach the pump and filtration system from the original tank. Disassemble the pump and filter systems and rinse them out with water. The filter and pump will be used in the refugium from now on. For now, place these items to the side so they are away from where you are working.

    • 3

      Use a drill to create two small holes about one inch in diameter in the back or side of the original aquarium tank. Place the holes anywhere along the bottom of the tank so filtration will be more efficient. Be careful to drill slowly and not to apply pressure to the glass or aquarium material. This may lead to cracks or the material's breaking. Place the two 10-inch plastic hoses into each drilled hole. Cover the hole opening with aquarium sealant.

    • 4

      Place the filter and pump in the refugium. Attach the loose ends of the plastic hoses to the pump. Connect one hose to the pumping feature and the other to the sucking function. Connect the pump and filter to each other following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the connected hoses are attached securely and do not have bends in them.

    • 5

      Fill each tank with clean water and power up the pump and filter. Check the hoses, aquarium holes and filter for any leaks. Apply more sealant if needed and make sure the hoses are securely fitted around the pump and filter. Allow the filtration to take place for about an hour before placing anything into either tank.