Give me a good recipe for a fuge.

I have done a lot of reading. I want to put one on my setup. So what exactly do I need?

I'm going to split my drain line. Put a filter sock on just to catch some stuff. Yes/no? I don't want he fuge getting too much poop.

DSB- 3"-5"-7"? How deep? What size sand? Play sand OK with some mirical mud to get things started?

How deep should the water be in a fuge? The DSB and water level will determine the rest on my sump level I'm making.

Rooted algae, yes/no? I have done plenty of reading about Chaeto and Caulupera. I would like some grass or rooted plants. Not going to do Mangroves. I want a couple different ones.

Light on a reverse light cycle, 12 hours.

Filter the out flow to keep big stuff from getting to the return pump???

Do I need to accomodate fuge cleaning? Like say putting the sand bed in a container that can be removed.

Any input is most appreciated.

 

I have done a lot of reading. I want to put one on my setup. So what exactly do I need?

I'm going to split my drain line. Put a filter sock on just to catch some stuff. Yes/no? I don't want he fuge getting too much poop.
the fuge is suppose to get poop i believe, poop feeds plants

DSB- 3"-5"-7"? How deep? What size sand? Play sand OK with some mirical mud to get things started?
atleast 5 inches, if using large media, 3 if you use mud. the more depth you have up to 7 inches the better. also instead of mirical mud you can use all natural kitty litter and save 50 dollars. you don't want to use play sand it has silica in it.
How deep should the water be in a fuge? The DSB and water level will determine the rest on my sump level I'm making.
deep enough to keep your plants alive(it really doesn't matter after that).
Rooted algae, yes/no? I have done plenty of reading about Chaeto and Caulupera. I would like some grass or rooted plants. Not going to do Mangroves. I want a couple different ones.
i would do chaetomorpha. since its common. but its your tank if you want to expirement with different types go ahead, they only problem you may have is reproductive cycles.

Light on a reverse light cycle, 12 hours.
reverse is best

Filter the out flow to keep big stuff from getting to the return pump???
it would catch the some of the pods your fish can eat, if your refuge is planted heavily the plants should filter the water them selves.
Do I need to accomodate fuge cleaning? Like say putting the sand bed in a container that can be removed.
no you shouldn't have to clean the fuge. if its well planted

Any input is most appreciated.[/quote]

 

A few things to add, I agree with sostoudt mostly. One I would have the water in the fuge as deep as you can possibly make it, more water volume, plus more algae growing. In addition to that, you said you were building your sump, make the whole thing as big as you possibly can. Never know when you will want a bigger skimmer, or section off part for coral propagation.

Also I wouldn't use a filter sock always, but you will want to have it available for the day you stir up the sand bed because a powerhead fell, or whenever you re-do your rockscape.

 

Thanks a lot for your input. I will be building a bigger stand to accomodate a bigger sump and fuge this Summer. Just trying to get the details worked out.

 

The whole point of a DSP is to keep it undisturbed. I dont really know why to many people would be cleaning their sand in a fuge, sounds counter productive.

 

What got me started on this was trying to add a fuge to my existing stand with my sump. That led me to the decision to build a new stand. It will be bigger than the tank. Big as I want. Trying for a 55-65 gal sump/fuge. Might build one myself. A 55g tank diminsions are just not quite right. 48lx18wx14-16h sounds good.

So a good size fuge and sump is what I'm after.

 

Sounds good, If you decide to build it be sure and show us what you come up with.

Remember with height, you need to make sure there is room between to lip of the sump and your stand to fit things like a protein skimmer in and out. My biggest problem lately, I have been shopping around for a new skimmer and I really got set on an octopus extreme 250. Then Realized, although I have "footprint" space in my sump, It was 10 inches in diameter. I only have 8 and a half inches clearance between the 2x4 that holds my tank up and the top lip of the sump. And a long story but I can't even empty my sump and take it out, the stand was built around it (not me, not me!) I had to settle with a octopus extreme 200 instead...

 

btw when i say kitty litter i mean the ones made of clay not pine or corn. so check what in it if you go this route.

 

hopefully your cat doesn't find it.. speaking of which.. think that would make good plant fert? hrm..