Refugium design and mud depth

Hello All,

I'm in the process of acquiring hardware for my first reef tank. I'm currently researching and scoping out refugiums. One that I'm considering purchasing on eBay has a single baffle between the refugium and return section which has an open slot about 4-6 inches from the floor if the unit. I've seen double baffles here on other units and single walls where I assume the water would flow over into the return. I don't quite understand the logic behind the lower baffle slot. It seems that this design would allow stuff into the return section. Also, wouldn't it limit the depth of the mud if I decided to use mud?

Just wondering what I'm missing here. I'm new to this and- well, I don't know what I don't know yet.

Thanks for your help.

 

I don't have any experience with prefab fuges so no help there but I can say that I decided against using mud anywhere in my system after researching it. Some ppl like it others don't. I didn't like the maintenance involved of replenishing it every so often.

 

ok no mud. As for DSB dont you start running into the same problems?

 

A bit of recomended reading:
1. http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/ultimate-newbie-guide-86462.html

2. http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

3. http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/all-about-skimmers-skimmers-skimmer-85389.html







For those of you joining us that are new to the hobby - the best piece of advice you'll get around here as a saltwater newbie is 3Reef's slogan
"Go slow, let it grow."
And for those experianced hobbyists joining us - it's still good advice
good luck and post pics soon

 

Thanks for the replies. Great links Telgar.

Conclusions:

No mud.

I need to get a solid RO/DI rig. Favoring a Typhoon 6 stage.

I need to pick a protein skimmer before I shop the refugium.

A refugium with the return in the middle? Not sure I know enough to understand why this is preferred by some... will continue researching.

Lights, lights, lights... Very important.

And above all go slowly- no worries there, limited funds will keep that in check.

Away on business now, will post pictures and journal the process and lessons learned as I go.

Thanks again y'all.