Miracle Mud

[Subsea]

While researching seaweed trace minerals on GulfCoast Ecosystems website, I found this reference to different products named Miracle Mud. While I have purchased more than one on the list, @PaulB had it right with MULM.

Macro Algae : Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae

macroalgae, marine plants, caulerpa, refugium substrate, marine macroalgae for sale

www.marineplantbook.com

Suitable Substrates​

There are many suitable substrates for growing marine plants in the aquarium. The composition, depth and size of the substrate used is largely based on the individual species of macro algae or sea grass desired. Many commercial products are available to hobbyists for use with marine plants, but most are marketed for the refugium. Although macro algae does not derive any nutrients directly form the substrate, with the exception of sea grass, some type of substrate is usually needed for most species so that they can readily attach themselves. By far, the most popular substrate is the use of a fine grade aragonite sand at varying depths. Fine grade sand is readily colonized by most all Caulerpa species and is generally the easiest to maintain. There are also proven benefits to providing a deep sand bed to reduce nitrates and to culture marine fauna, but most macro algae species don't require any substrate at all. Sea grass, however, does require a deep sand bed as its root system can extend quite deep.​ Careful attention should be taken to not introduce substrate to the aquarium that is too compacted, such as silica or quartz sand as this will most likely cause a dense anaerobic layer in the sand bed that can be toxic to tank inhabitants if disturbed. If a mixed macro algae and sea grass system is desired, it would need to devote some portion of the aquarium to a deep sand bed in order to successfully grow vascular plants. For the most part, a mixture of substrates will create an environment suitable for the addition of most any species desired.Most commonly available substrates are composed of variable amounts of aragonite and/or calcite. Aragonite is beneficial in its ability to properly buffer the aquarium water, helping to maintain both ph and alkalinity. Smaller grain sizes dissolve faster while coarse media such as crushed coral is much slower to break down requiring a higher ph to dissolve. Marine plants that do well in a fine to medium grade aragonite sand include most species of Caulerpa and calcified algae such as shaving brush & mermaids fan, as well as sea grass. Coarse media such as crushed coral, shell or live rock rubble can also be used to anchor marine plants and is a good choice if a deep sand bed is not needed, especially in the refugium. The only drawback to using coarse sand/rubble is that it tends to collect detritus and sediment, often becoming a nutrient trap over time. In marine plant dominated aquariums this can be an added benefit however, as high levels of nutrients are needed for long term success. Some invertebrates are better suited to this environment, such as amphipods, while other soft bodied invertebrates desire a less abrasive environment. Most varieties of red and brown macro algae grow on rocks and hard bottom habitats in their natural environment, so a coarser substrate is more suited for anchoring. Marine macro algae such as Gracilaria, Botryolcadia, Sargassum and Halymenia can be glued or placed between rocks/rubble and will readily attach themselves. Most all macro algae are very adaptable, and will grow free floating or attach to most any surface, including substrate, live rock or even the sides or bottom of aquariums. Soon mud filters began to gain in popularity for use in the refugium. Several manufacturers began offering a product that would duplicate tropical coastal environments, such as lagoons and mangrove habitats. These products claim to provide a variety of trace elements including, calcium, iodine, strontium, iron, and free carbon. The idea behind using a nutrient rich substrate was to provide a replenishing source of nutrients by slowly releasing them into the aquarium water. Below is a brief summary detailing the most popular aquarium mud, its composition and qualities. Miracle Mud Manufactured by Ecosystems Aquarium Inc., this substrate is light tan in color with a wide range of grain sizes. The composition is very silty and must be topped with aragonite so as not to disturb the substrate. The manufacturer claims that this product contains over 68 naturally occuring elements. The replacement of approximately 50% of the substrate should be done every 12 months to maintain the slow release of nutrients. Mineral Mud Manufactured by CaribSea Inc., this substrate is a dark brown almost black mud which includes a mix of grain sizes including large chunks of sediment. This particular product is very silty and must be topped with aragonite or similar product to prevent it from clouding the aquarium water. The manufacturer claims that it contains simply "marine organics" created to mimic coastal marine environments. Fiji Mud Refugium Booster Manufactured by Walt Smith International Inc., this substrate is a wild collected organic mix harvested from Fiji. It is dark brown in composition and is designed to be topped with aragonite or similar product. No ingredients are listed except that it is deep water mud from Fiji. F.O.R.M Manufactured by Marc Weiss. F.O.R.M (funky old reef mud) is actually a additive that is added to the refugium to release needed nutrients. This particular product is a dark rich highly organic material derived from the ferment of seaweed. Marine Biosediment Manufactured by Kent Marine Inc., this substrate is a fine aragonite based sand containing calcium, magnesium, strontium, potassium, carbonate, sulfate and other trace elements.​

Some of the potential problems associated with the use of organic substrate in an aquarium or refugium is that the sediment is full of silt and can cloud up the water anytime the substrate is disturbed or new product is added. While the use of mud does provide a good growing medium for many macro algae, sea grass and mangroves, it is largely unknown how much of and at what rate trace elements are being introduced. Some hobbyists have introduced wild, highly organic mud from locally collected coastal sources into their refugium or planted tank. While this practice can be beneficial for growing sea grass, the contents of the substrate will vary considerably depending on where it is collected and the composition largely unknown. For this reason it is not really a good idea unless the contents have been properly identified or collected from a known, pristine habitat. Some freshwater substrates formulated for growing tropical aquarium plants can offer similar results in heavily planted aquariums containing marine vascular plants and are often more affordable than many of the available marine products. Whatever substrate is used, it is important to note that the best results with growing algae and, more importantly sea grass, will be achieved with a properly aged and colonized sand bed. Stability is the key to long term success, so it is best to allow the maturing process to be begin in new systems by not disturbing the substrate or uprooting plants or changing the aquascape. A proper substrate for growing marine plants will require little maintenance once established and should be left alone for the most part

 

[Daniel@R2R]

While researching seaweed trace minerals on GulfCoast Ecosystems website, I found this reference to different products named Miracle Mud. While I have purchased more than one on the list, @PaulB had it right with MULM.

Macro Algae : Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae

macroalgae, marine plants, caulerpa, refugium substrate, marine macroalgae for sale

www.marineplantbook.com

Suitable Substrates​

There are many suitable substrates for growing marine plants in the aquarium. The composition, depth and size of the substrate used is largely based on the individual species of macro algae or sea grass desired. Many commercial products are available to hobbyists for use with marine plants, but most are marketed for the refugium. Although macro algae does not derive any nutrients directly form the substrate, with the exception of sea grass, some type of substrate is usually needed for most species so that they can readily attach themselves. By far, the most popular substrate is the use of a fine grade aragonite sand at varying depths. Fine grade sand is readily colonized by most all Caulerpa species and is generally the easiest to maintain. There are also proven benefits to providing a deep sand bed to reduce nitrates and to culture marine fauna, but most macro algae species don't require any substrate at all. Sea grass, however, does require a deep sand bed as its root system can extend quite deep.​ Careful attention should be taken to not introduce substrate to the aquarium that is too compacted, such as silica or quartz sand as this will most likely cause a dense anaerobic layer in the sand bed that can be toxic to tank inhabitants if disturbed. If a mixed macro algae and sea grass system is desired, it would need to devote some portion of the aquarium to a deep sand bed in order to successfully grow vascular plants. For the most part, a mixture of substrates will create an environment suitable for the addition of most any species desired.Most commonly available substrates are composed of variable amounts of aragonite and/or calcite. Aragonite is beneficial in its ability to properly buffer the aquarium water, helping to maintain both ph and alkalinity. Smaller grain sizes dissolve faster while coarse media such as crushed coral is much slower to break down requiring a higher ph to dissolve. Marine plants that do well in a fine to medium grade aragonite sand include most species of Caulerpa and calcified algae such as shaving brush & mermaids fan, as well as sea grass. Coarse media such as crushed coral, shell or live rock rubble can also be used to anchor marine plants and is a good choice if a deep sand bed is not needed, especially in the refugium. The only drawback to using coarse sand/rubble is that it tends to collect detritus and sediment, often becoming a nutrient trap over time. In marine plant dominated aquariums this can be an added benefit however, as high levels of nutrients are needed for long term success. Some invertebrates are better suited to this environment, such as amphipods, while other soft bodied invertebrates desire a less abrasive environment. Most varieties of red and brown macro algae grow on rocks and hard bottom habitats in their natural environment, so a coarser substrate is more suited for anchoring. Marine macro algae such as Gracilaria, Botryolcadia, Sargassum and Halymenia can be glued or placed between rocks/rubble and will readily attach themselves. Most all macro algae are very adaptable, and will grow free floating or attach to most any surface, including substrate, live rock or even the sides or bottom of aquariums. Soon mud filters began to gain in popularity for use in the refugium. Several manufacturers began offering a product that would duplicate tropical coastal environments, such as lagoons and mangrove habitats. These products claim to provide a variety of trace elements including, calcium, iodine, strontium, iron, and free carbon. The idea behind using a nutrient rich substrate was to provide a replenishing source of nutrients by slowly releasing them into the aquarium water. Below is a brief summary detailing the most popular aquarium mud, its composition and qualities. Miracle Mud Manufactured by Ecosystems Aquarium Inc., this substrate is light tan in color with a wide range of grain sizes. The composition is very silty and must be topped with aragonite so as not to disturb the substrate. The manufacturer claims that this product contains over 68 naturally occuring elements. The replacement of approximately 50% of the substrate should be done every 12 months to maintain the slow release of nutrients. Mineral Mud Manufactured by CaribSea Inc., this substrate is a dark brown almost black mud which includes a mix of grain sizes including large chunks of sediment. This particular product is very silty and must be topped with aragonite or similar product to prevent it from clouding the aquarium water. The manufacturer claims that it contains simply "marine organics" created to mimic coastal marine environments. Fiji Mud Refugium Booster Manufactured by Walt Smith International Inc., this substrate is a wild collected organic mix harvested from Fiji. It is dark brown in composition and is designed to be topped with aragonite or similar product. No ingredients are listed except that it is deep water mud from Fiji. F.O.R.M Manufactured by Marc Weiss. F.O.R.M (funky old reef mud) is actually a additive that is added to the refugium to release needed nutrients. This particular product is a dark rich highly organic material derived from the ferment of seaweed. Marine Biosediment Manufactured by Kent Marine Inc., this substrate is a fine aragonite based sand containing calcium, magnesium, strontium, potassium, carbonate, sulfate and other trace elements.​

Some of the potential problems associated with the use of organic substrate in an aquarium or refugium is that the sediment is full of silt and can cloud up the water anytime the substrate is disturbed or new product is added. While the use of mud does provide a good growing medium for many macro algae, sea grass and mangroves, it is largely unknown how much of and at what rate trace elements are being introduced. Some hobbyists have introduced wild, highly organic mud from locally collected coastal sources into their refugium or planted tank. While this practice can be beneficial for growing sea grass, the contents of the substrate will vary considerably depending on where it is collected and the composition largely unknown. For this reason it is not really a good idea unless the contents have been properly identified or collected from a known, pristine habitat. Some freshwater substrates formulated for growing tropical aquarium plants can offer similar results in heavily planted aquariums containing marine vascular plants and are often more affordable than many of the available marine products. Whatever substrate is used, it is important to note that the best results with growing algae and, more importantly sea grass, will be achieved with a properly aged and colonized sand bed. Stability is the key to long term success, so it is best to allow the maturing process to be begin in new systems by not disturbing the substrate or uprooting plants or changing the aquascape. A proper substrate for growing marine plants will require little maintenance once established and should be left alone for the most part

Interesting read! Thanks for sharing!

 

[vlangel]

Yes, thank you Patrick. I enjoyed reading this very much and it helps confirm what I believe.

 

[Subsea]

Dawn,
My 25 year mature system includes 75G on top with 30G cryptic refugium with mud filter on bottom. Originally this was a EcoSystem concept: algae & miracle mud.

Miracle Mud Set-up Instructions | EcoSystem Aquarium

MIRACLE MUD® MIRACLE MUD® is the original mud substrate that is specifically made to be used in an EcoSystem Aquarium® Filter. This special substrate has two main functions: (1) it is an advanced filter medium that also acts as a … Continue reading →

ecosystemaquarium.com

Five years ago, under the influence of @Paul B & @Timfish I went radical and embraced sponges. So Paul converted me from Jaubert Penum with DSB to shallow sand bed with reverse flow under gravel filter and Tim converted me to cryptic sponges which I combined with MULM

"Mulm" in a reef tank

I think one of the most important, and least understood or mentioned things in a reef tank is "mulm". That stuff that grows in the dark portions of a tank if it is set up long enough. "Mulm" is a combination of algae, sponges, bacteria, pods, worms, detritus, poop and any thing else that can be p...

wamas.org

 

[JoJosReef]

Dawn,
My 25 year mature system includes 75G on top with 30G cryptic refugium with mud filter on bottom. Originally this was a EcoSystem concept: algae & miracle mud.

Miracle Mud Set-up Instructions | EcoSystem Aquarium

MIRACLE MUD® MIRACLE MUD® is the original mud substrate that is specifically made to be used in an EcoSystem Aquarium® Filter. This special substrate has two main functions: (1) it is an advanced filter medium that also acts as a … Continue reading →

ecosystemaquarium.com

Five years ago, under the influence of @Paul B & @Timfish I went radical and embraced sponges. So Paul converted me from Jaubert Penum with DSB to shallow sand bed with reverse flow under gravel filter and Tim converted me to cryptic sponges which I combined with MULM

"Mulm" in a reef tank

I think one of the most important, and least understood or mentioned things in a reef tank is "mulm". That stuff that grows in the dark portions of a tank if it is set up long enough. "Mulm" is a combination of algae, sponges, bacteria, pods, worms, detritus, poop and any thing else that can be p...

wamas.org

Tagging @VintageReefer who also has an interest in mulm.

 

[Subsea]

Place the appropriate amount of MIRACLE MUD®into Chamber #2 of the EcoSystem Aquarium® Filter. Level it to create an evenly distributed, 1-inch thick mud bed when packed down (at least 1 to 1.5 inches of dry Miracle Mud), to ensure adequate denitrification takes place.

The term “mud filter is misleading. Filtration implies that something is removed. Instead of “remove & export”, the micro fauna & fana “in the mud” are the source of the microbial food web that recycle carbon up the food chain.

Initially, the miracle mud was to replace trace minerals and provide a matrix for denitrification bacteria. Over the next 20 years; the mud depth increased by 1/2”, felt spongy to the touch and was crawling with worms & pods.

Changeover to cryptic refugium included adding live rock on top of mud filter. Eggcrate was used to lift rock above mud layer.

 

[carri10]

Changeover to cryptic refugium included adding live rock on top of mud filter. Eggcrate was used to lift rock above mud layer.

This is exactly what I run. A miracle mud base with a live rock over layer.

The tank is only 1 year old, so I can’t comment too much on its long term success.
I have plenty of sponges and all sorts of weird life growing in there already.
Interestingly, with ICP testing I still have low levels of several trace elements, unless I dose.

 

[Subsea]

This is exactly what I run. A miracle mud base with a live rock over layer.

The tank is only 1 year old, so I can’t comment too much on its long term success.
I have plenty of sponges and all sorts of weird life growing in there already.
Interestingly, with ICP testing I still have low levels of several trace elements, unless I dose.

I dose ammonia to keep up with nitrogen demand and liquid kelp concentrate to keep up with trace minerals.

 

[Timfish]

Here's a couple papers showing the benefit of fish poop:

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1015895108

https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00842/95393/103168.pdf

 

[Subsea]

Here's a couple papers showing the benefit of fish poop:

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1015895108

https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00842/95393/103168.pdf

Tim,
I read most of first link and perused the second link.

Fish contributing to carbonate mud was an interesting nutrient recycling method that coincided with a recent utube video showing blue hole offshore western Florida. The bottom sediment of this ancient dry land sinkhole somewhat resembles a deep sand bed full of organics not dissimilar to a Jaubert Plenum in some ways.

 

[Subsea]

I thought I would resurrect the thread with two observations on @Paul B comment about MULM:

Pods love to dance.

Sterile is good in hospital operating room but not in reef tank.

"Mulm" in a reef tank

I think one of the most important, and least understood or mentioned things in a reef tank is "mulm". That stuff that grows in the dark portions of a tank if it is set up long enough. "Mulm" is a combination of algae, sponges, bacteria, pods, worms, detritus, poop and any thing else that can be p...

wamas.org

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I thought I would resurrect the thread with two observations on @Paul B comment about MULM:

Pods love to dance.

Sterile is good in hospital operating room but not in reef tank.

"Mulm" in a reef tank

I think one of the most important, and least understood or mentioned things in a reef tank is "mulm". That stuff that grows in the dark portions of a tank if it is set up long enough. "Mulm" is a combination of algae, sponges, bacteria, pods, worms, detritus, poop and any thing else that can be p...

wamas.org

I love seeing a good revival when I'm looking out my back door, down by the corner over near the Green River.

 

[Subsea]

I do like CCR. However, this morning, I am going
“Down by the River”

 

[Subsea]

I love seeing a good revival when I'm looking out my back door, down by the corner over near the Green River.

OR, you could be “born by the river”.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

OR, you could be “born by the river”.

Or, you could be "rollin' on the river."

 

[vlangel]

I do like CCR. However, this morning, I am going
“Down by the River”

You are dating yourself!

 

[That Crusso Kid]

You are dating yourself!

Not necessarily. I am 20 years @Subsea 's junior (I think he is 78 now). Even at the young, spry age of 58, I know all the lyrics to all the songs we have posted above. Heck, I know about all the lyrics from a great many songs, in different genres, made in the 40's through the 60's into the 70's and up until present. Now if I could just remember where I set my coffee down!

 

[vlangel]

Not necessarily. I am 20 years @Subsea 's junior (I think he is 78 now). Even at the young, spry age of 58, I know all the lyrics to all the songs we have posted above. Heck, I know about all the lyrics from a great many songs, in different genres, made in the 40's through the 60's into the 70's and up until present. Now if I could just remember where I set my coffee down!

Fair enough! At almost 66 yrs young I am splitting the different between you and Patrick. Classic rock seems to be here to stay. I still hear 'Renegade' at sporting events and although not as old as CCR still from the late 70s which is going back a ways.

 

[JoJosReef]

I do like CCR. However, this morning, I am going
“Down by the River”

Pfft. River boys.

 

[landlubber]

if its good enough for Mike Paletta its good enough for me :) cool read and thank you