When to start a refugium?

[LT43]

What are your ideas on when is the best time to start a refugium? I am starting a new tank and it will be my first with a fuge. My thought is to track the nutrient levels and once ammonia comes down and nitrate/phosphate start to rise seems like a good time. Also debating the XR-15 freshwater vs the Kessil H-160, thoughts?

 

[mta_morrow]

I would wait until you have a constant, daily supply of nutrients that exceed your skimmer and water change capacities.

 

[Rjramos]

You could start the refugium with water flow and a substrate, mud or nothing. It’s difficult to grow any kind of algae up to 18-24months after set up. Depending on display bioload of course

 

[AlgaeBarn]

Once you add fish, we recommend to start the refugium!

 

[LT43]

Once you add fish, we recommend to start the refugium!

Thanks for commenting @AlgaeBarn love your products, I’ve used your pods in my small tank and plan on getting my macro algae and starter pods from you for my 140 gallon peninsula once it’s ready!

 

[Beau_B]

I added my first fish and then did CUC and macro a couple weeks later. Never looked back. Don't even run the skimmer now as macro was shrinking after a big grow out initially. Chaeto/Ulva is keeping things in check (<5ppm) on it's own now. 5mo in and probably medium stocking with heavy feeding.

 

[beaslbob]

IMHO it is best to start the tank with macro algae and a refugium.

But that's just me and my .02