Refugium before main tank?

Hi all,

I have a 110 gallon setup in my living room with a 55 gallon sump/refugium setup in my basement. The main tank only has water and sand right now, but I have the water flow between the main tank and sump going.

My question is... Is there any reason why I shouldn't go ahead and put stuff in my refugium (i.e., macroalgae, some live sand/rock) before I put anything in the main tank? I was thinking that it might be beneficial to have the refugium somewhat established before I start putting rock into the main tank, but I may not be thinking straight.

Also, what are the lighting requirements for macroalgae in the refugium. I'm assuming that macroalge would flourish more with lighting made for plants. I'll probably be doing 24 hour lighting.

Thanks,
Clayton

 

Well, i know that there are people on here that know more than i do, but i can answer your last question!!! I wouldn't have the lights on the fuge running 24 hours...i would have them run opposite from the display tanks lights. Macroalgae needs to rest, just like everything else that is photosynthetic in your tank and it also helps maintain a stable pH...I hope this helps out a bit...As for lighting, I have read many different things but i currently just have a flood light from home depot rated for 65 watts on mine and it works fantastic...i called the manufacturer and they said the light was rated 6,500K, so from what i here it should be alright!! it cost me 15 bucks for the light clip and light itself, there's no need for fancy shmancy lighting for a fuge!!! heres a link to a site talking about fuge lighting...good luck!!

 

Yes, fill the refugium with whatever substrate and LR your going to go with, but hold off putting any macros until you finish your cycle. I agree with ermano about NOT running your refugium lights 24/7, but on a oppisite schedule of the DT. As for the light bulb, I have dual 18w 7100k bulbs. Luna

 

Either place you put stuff I really don't see a difference they are still one system the water is common right? I agree with limited fuge lighting 8 hrs should be plenty.

 

You won't need the algae in the fuge until the tank is about 6 months old as there will be no nutrients to feed the algae yet. Also there is no need to run a skimmer yet either if it is a new tank.

 

Alright, thanks everyone. Karma all around!

After the response here and doing some more reading, I'll be running the lights on an opposite cycle as my main tank.

Well, I guess my next step is live rock.