refugium

Lou Lou B · Sep 22, 2023

when is a good time to start micro algae in refugium? My tank has been cycled since july and no corals yet but plan too later. My nitrates are about 8-10. Thanks in advance

CasperOe · Sep 22, 2023

Do you have any livestock in your tank yet?

A refugium is a great way of keeping nutrient export in check- it can be a very, very effective filter actually!

Without sufficient nutrition going in the system, the refugium will starve and whatever algae you are promoting in there will not thrive and ultimately die.

I did set up my refugium just after finishing my cycle which was probably not the best time to do it. I did make sure to feed it plenty though and I did introduce a fairly high bio-load to my tank quite fast.

Today a year down the road, I have no socks, no roller and no other mechanical filtration. I do have a large, well lit refugium taking care of all my nutrient export together with a protein skimmer.

Lou Lou B · Sep 22, 2023

CasperOe said:
Do you have any livestock in your tank yet? A refugium is a great way of keeping nutrient export in check- it can be a very, very effective filter actually!

Without sufficient nutrition going in the system, the refugium will starve and whatever algae you are promoting in there will not thrive and ultimately die.

I did set up my refugium just after finishing my cycle which was probably not the best time to do it. I did make sure to feed it plenty though and I did introduce a fairly high bio-load to my tank quite fast.

Today a year down the road, I have no socks, no roller and no other mechanical filtration. I do have a large, well lit refugium taking care of all my nutrient export together with a protein skimmer.

i have three fish. One dartfish and two clown fish . i have 4 hermit crabs and four snails. tommorrow im picking up a tailspot blenny and pearly jawfish

CasperOe · Sep 22, 2023

Lou Lou B said:
i have three fish. One dartfish and two clown fish . i have 4 hermit crabs and four snails. tommorrow im picking up a tailspot blenny and pearly jawfish

I would wait and set it up once you need it!

It is a good time to start planning out what you want to do though; there's nothing wrong with that!

What tank do you have?

How does your sump look like? It does not have to be a big refugium depending on how you light it.

Lou Lou B · Sep 22, 2023

CasperOe said:
I would wait and set it up once you need it! It is a good time to start planning out what you want to do though; there's nothing wrong with that!

What tank do you have? How does your sump look like? It does not have to be a big refugium depending on how you light it.

my refugium is diy . 110 fluval hob filter with marinepure spheres and sand and refug light. my tank is a 60 gallon aqueon cube.

FUNGI · Sep 22, 2023

Get a good HOB skimmer....that will help more than the HOB Fluval Refugium. I have several good HOG skimmers for sale....(not trying to hijack the thread)...or get a large HOB refugium (like the CPR's)

Lou Lou B · Sep 22, 2023

FUNGI said:
Get a good HOB skimmer....that will help more than the HOB Fluval Refugium. I have several good HOG skimmers for sale....(not trying to hijack the thread)...or get a large HOB refugium (like the CPR's)

yeah im evetually going to invest in one of those two