Fuge for Idiots : p

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by JoshyMac, Apr 7, 2009.

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  1. JoshyMac

    JoshyMac Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2009
    Messages:
    28
    Location:
    New York
    Hey i have a 72g bowfront that ive been running for about a year and a half now. Its a fish only tank so I've been able to run the tank with high nitrates but I want to cut em down so I can start keeping corals. I run a freedom filter which is an in tank filter.

    I want to know how the best way to set up my fuge. I figure ill pick up a 10 or 20 gallon tank and put it under my tank in my stand but how do i get the water to go down/up?

    Whats the best lighting for a fuge? Best for the money

    Should i run my fuge light for 24 hrs? or day night cycles?

    Best Plants? I was planning on Cheato and a deep sand bed...

    Thx for the help :)
     
    JoshyMac, Apr 7, 2009
    JoshyMac, Apr 7, 2009
    #1

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  2. Optimist

    Optimist Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2009
    Messages:
    429
    I am heading out but your deep sand bed and Cheato is a good start.
    I run mine only at night to keep everything balanced, like Ph.
    If your tank isn't drilled (reef ready), you'll need to get an over-flow box.
    Then you'll need a pump to pump the water back up to your tank.
     
    Optimist, Apr 7, 2009
    Optimist, Apr 7, 2009
    #2
  3. Optimist

    Optimist Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2009
    Messages:
    429
    lighting (imo) is pretty much the same when it comes to "growing grass".
    You can run a used set from your LFS... T5s, PCs...
    I wouldn't run a MH because it's a waste of wattage and it'll keep your tank hot.
    Mine has a 36" PC that's like 96 watts or so. I got the hood for $40 used and it does the job.
     
    Optimist, Apr 7, 2009
    Optimist, Apr 7, 2009
    #3
  4. JoshyMac

    JoshyMac Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2009
    Messages:
    28
    Location:
    New York
    excuse my newbness but im running compact fluorescents on my tank but could u type out LFS, T5, PC?

    you mentioned night time running for the lights, running 24 hrs would effect the ph?

    what kind of pump would you guys suggest?
     
    JoshyMac, Apr 7, 2009
    JoshyMac, Apr 7, 2009
    #4
  5. reefer Bob

    reefer Bob Montipora Digitata

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2009
    Messages:
    1,070
    Location:
    Largo, Fl
    lfs- Local fish store
    t5- is a type of bulb for corals ( best lights)
    pc- power compacts
    and yes the lights come on and raises your ph and light goes out and ph drops. Most people run fuge light at night to balance the ph swing.
     
    reefer Bob, Apr 7, 2009
    reefer Bob, Apr 7, 2009
    #5
  6. medhatreefguy

    medhatreefguy Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2009
    Messages:
    161
    Location:
    Medicine Hat, Alberta
    Here is my 10 Gal Sump/fuge for my 34 Gal Red Sea Max. Very inexpensive
    - Coralife 65 needle wheel skimmer
    - 460 GPH return pump
    - Lifereef overflow box (you can DIY the box but I didn't want to risk flooding)
    - 3/4" tubing all around
    - Small inlet compartment filled with LR rubble
    - cheap clamp on light from HD w/6500K CF bulb
    You may want to go bigger but I could only fit a 10 Gal
     

    Attached Files:

    medhatreefguy, Apr 7, 2009
    medhatreefguy, Apr 7, 2009
    #6