Refugium questions

[DariusThomad]

Refugium-
Sand bed? What’s the pros and cons to it?
Various macro algae or just one? (In my case chaeto) if so, what algae’s?
What CUC do I put in a fuge?
Is any lighting okay?
Thanks

 

[lapin]

Simple as just cheato
or

Display "fuge" show off thread!

Hey guys, I am in the process of setting up my new 30 gallon large nano softy tank. I am considering putting a display fuge next to it as a "complimentary piece" to strengthen the impact of my reef. I have been scowering the internet for days now for some ideas and no one seems to have any...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[X-37B]

Pros:

If you need it to reduce nutrient levels it works.

Grow algae/pods to feed the fish.

A display fuge is easier to maintain and cool looking.

Cons:

Just another thing to maintain.

 

[Nick428]

Mainly live food production.
Dwarf ceriths and nassarius snails i feel are best. Mixing macros can work but one usually wins out unless you cut them back equally or have a large supply of nutrients

As long as the bed gets turned over by worms,snails it will be fine. I had a windex smell being emitted from a disturbed sandbed one time which was likely ammonia which i blame on poor circulation in the bed.

Lighting will depend on the size of the refugium but any led flood light will work from a hardware store i use a 13w led par30 5000k.

 

[DariusThomad]

Mainly live food production.
Dwarf ceriths and nassarius snails i feel are best. Mixing macros can work but one usually wins out unless you cut them back equally or have a large supply of nutrients

As long as the bed gets turned over by worms,snails it will be fine. I had a windex smell being emitted from a disturbed sandbed one time which was likely ammonia which i blame on poor circulation in the bed.

Lighting will depend on the size of the refugium but any led flood light will work from a hardware store i use a 13w led par30 5000k.

Gotcha, how deep should the sand bed be- I’m thinking to make it about 2 inches or leave it out completely

 

[lapin]

1 to 2 is fine . Too deep and you will get toxic decay and might have issues when removing it.

 

[Nick428]

2 inches of very fine sand is good

 

[DariusThomad]

Okay great, and would you suggest placing any form of max spect or marine pure in the same compartment or should I keep them separately. I know you probably would, but using marine pure blocks/ alternative brands, I could replace the sand completely with these blocks?

 

[Nick428]

I dontl't think there needed the rock and sand in the tank will be enough surface area for bacteria. I know someone that had a marine pure block and removed it and didn't notice any difference.

 

[DariusThomad]

I dontl't think there needed the rock and sand in the tank will be enough surface area for bacteria. I know someone that had a marine pure block and removed it and didn't notice any difference.

Okay good to hear! I assume if I were to have a minimalist rock work in the display, I should then lean towards marine pure blocks or some form of media in the sump?

 

[Nick428]

Okay good to hear! I assume if I were to have a minimalist rock work in the display, I should then lean towards marine pure blocks or some form of media in the sump?

When i order dry rock in bulk i usually end up with a few extra pieces that i need so i break it up and add it to the sump. It will give plenty of surface area.

 

[madweazl]

my opinion, keep it simple with just macro algae. I started with 4 different types of macros and three survived. Over time, one would become dominant for 6-12 months and then all the sudden a different one would take off for the same time period. I went with various caulerpa species. Our foxface loved eating it and the yellow tang enjoyed it as well. I'm not a fan of chaeto simply because it's boring.

As for lighting, I started with a couple clamp of fixtures with CFLs and ended up with a Kessil h80, followed by a Kessil h160. Had good results with all three but preferred the Kessils as they kept most of the light in the refugium chamber where the CFLs lit up the entire sump.

 

[yanton]

I agree and have found the same. Start with multiple macroalgae and see which one thrives.
I have never managed to get chaeto to thrive, despite best conditions and nutrient support.
In my case, water lettuce from algae barn is growing like crazy, a nutrient sponge.

PS: I use my large spacious weir as my refugium.