Macro Algae Decorator Crab Fuge

[RichtheReefer21]

Hello all..

This is new ground for me here at r2r.. and I'm happy to announce my arrival with my current build in progress which will eventually home a macroalgae display refugium in my sump, with a viewing window from the front.

LATEST *** (full fuge shot)

Sump is a DIY custom baffled 33g Long.
Aqueon clip on LED grow light with Blue and White spectrums.

The plan is to make this a beautiful, nano Frogfish and Decorator Crab Display refugium.

Thought I would stop by, and pick all your algae brains for a while!

Here are some photos of what's been happening at my house for last 8 days while I emptied and drained a 125g running on a canister, to a fully drilled and custom-sump conversion.

I'm a DIY doodle to the bone:

Rockwork ideas and playing around:

How it looked before,

And current:

Updates to come as I tie up all the loose ends now that drilling and plumbing are completed.

Thanks for reading this far. I ramble, a lot.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

So my questions for the pros are:

Which rock snape do u like the best?

Is my light adequate for macro?

Is it acceptable to keep asking questions?

 

[LiveWire]

I would go with the rock work that you like the best. it does not matter what anyone else thinks as you are the one that's going to enjoy the setup the most. If you have a grow light it should work just fine. Only time will tell. And the only way you are going to learn is to ask questions, lots of reading, and some trial and error. So ask away!!

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I would go with the rock work that you like the best. it does not matter what anyone else thinks as you are the one that's going to enjoy the setup the most. If you have a grow light it should work just fine. Only time will tell. And the only way you are going to learn is to ask questions, lots of reading, and some trial and error. So ask away!!

Thanks for the kind welcome. And yes, time always tells.

 

[Jason Coy]

I like the rocks in the 2nd and 4th pictures but both pieces would be nice if you could put both in the sump. I do agree that whichever one you like the best is all that matters. The way I look at it the only way to learn is to ask questions so ask away. What kind of light are you using for the display fuge and what bulb/bulb combo?

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I like the rocks in the 2nd and 4th pictures but both pieces would be nice if you could put both in the sump. I do agree that whichever one you like the best is all that matters. The way I look at it the only way to learn is to ask questions so ask away. What kind of light are you using for the display fuge and what bulb/bulb combo?

In my sig is a link to a DIY chaeto fuge.

I used this[ Aqueon Planted Aquarium Clip-On LED Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DT31PZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uxTPCbP4JS1J1 ] light on it and it filled that container thick and matted in about 2 months, running 16hours a night. (Granted my Po4 was around .3) it managed to keep nitrates at a steady 9/10ppm for 5 months or so. It should be noted I did a total of three 10% water changes over that entire 5 months. Lightly stocked for the size though. That was on this 125g running on a canister and a remora hob skimmer.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

First addition is in. Slowly filling my cart with macro for an online order from @TopShelfAquatics

Snagged this today... I know it's not macro, but I will have some NPS in there as well.

In the future I'll take a couple heads off my dendro and add them as well. For now its fat, happy, and pretty up top.

 

[Jason Coy]

First addition is in. Slowly filling my cart with macro for an online order from @TopShelfAquatics

Snagged this today... I know it's not macro, but I will have some NPS in there as well.

In the future I'll take a couple heads off my dendro and add them as well. For now its fat, happy, and pretty up top.

Both are beautiful pieces and hopefully you'll be able to provide enough food for the gorgonian.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Both are beautiful pieces and hopefully you'll be able to provide enough food for the gorgonian.

Thanks. Po4 with hannah today showed .27. High. No socks. Gonna leave it alone and see what the tank does on its own. May slow down feeding.

Some caveman patience 101.

 

[Jason Coy]

Thanks. Po4 with hannah today showed .27. High. No socks. Gonna leave it alone and see what the tank does on its own. May slow down feeding.

Some caveman patience 101.

I probably definitely would wait and see if what you have in there can bring it down. What are your nitrates at and what are you planning on feeding the tank. I can't remember if you have any fish in there or if you even said.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I probably definitely would wait and see if what you have in there can bring it down. What are your nitrates at and what are you planning on feeding the tank. I can't remember if you have any fish in there or if you even said.

The tank gets,
Reef roids once every 2 weeks. Spot fed but soupy mix, so it broadcasts a bit too when the cicurlation comes back on.
Mysis and brine frozen daily
1/2 sheet of seaweed daily
About an inch LRS frenzy once a week when I feed the nems and dust the euphyllia, and Lobo with the broth from the frenzy.

I stopped dosing Aminos 2 months ago while fighting some algae and cyano since they flourish when supplemented aminos from what I recall.

Theres no livestock in the fuge yet. But the tank has a foxface, yellow tang, sailfin zebra tang, blue damsel, 6 line wrasse, 2 designer clowns, strawberry psuedo, midas blenny, and 100+ inverts.

 

[najer]

Nice.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Nice.

Why yes... the S tank, theeee Standard. Beautiful Simon. Thanks for stopping by.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Gorg night shot. 5% blues, 2% whites.

Flash auto mode, 30 seconds later.

 

[najer]

Good flow, seems ok, maybe mine does polyps at night?

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Good flow, seems ok, maybe mine does polyps at night?

Couldnt hurt to try with a torch after dark.. if I spot the dusters out, i just give them a quick splash of reef roids. Seems to be working thus far.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Shes getting a nice layer of future food for my crab

 

[acbaldwin]

I like the rock work you have there. I would've assumed that light wouldn't be enough, but if you're getting growth then I can't argue!
Looking forward to see how it progresses.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I like the rock work you have there. I would've assumed that light wouldn't be enough, but if you're getting growth then I can't argue!
Looking forward to see how it progresses.

Hey thanks. Welcome along for the ride! Will be a slow go.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I know it's not macro, but the gorg is in. Getting dirty.

Skimmer is out for repair. Pinwheel failure.