Refugium Idea

My idea for a refugium is a 20 H gravity fed from display tank or pumped from sump pre skimming. I have drilled 1 1/8 in hole and have ½ inch bulkhead it's 2 inches down from the top for it to gravity feed back into the sump next to my return pump.

I received a gallon of carib sea mineral mud for Christmas with the idea of a 2-4 inch live sand bed over it. I have some live rock I pulled from my display tank a few months ago. (should it be added to the refugium?) what’s the pros or cons of LR in it.

What sort of macro algae should I look into? Is my plan a sound one? Any input would be very welcome

 

Sound great. the only advantage to LR in a Fuge is to get more LR in the tank. Also Macro Algae can attach to it. and Pods will live in it.
the type of Macro you want really depends on how you are lighting it. Are you revers lighting or 24/7 lighting?
the most popular Macro is Chito (sp)
mangroves, calerpa (I would avoid)

J

 

Whats the best for 24/7?

 

I tried the 24/7 and I now run them about 13 hours a day. I believe the macro algae needs a rest period just like everything else. I am sure someone has done a study on it somewhere
Mine has started growing better with the lights on a timer.

Jim

 

:thumbs_up

You'll actually kill most macroalgaes if you light them 24/7. The main algae that tolerates 24/7 lighting is Caulerpa and it doesn't even like it. It goes into stasis (like suspended animation) and becomes much less effective at removing phosphorus and nitrates.

 

I'll have the light on a timer most likely 10 to 13 hours.. a 50/50 was recomended at the LFS I have an old tank light strip I'll be using

 

I have golf ball sized LR im my refugium on top of the LS and it's awesome how the macro attaches to it it looks pretty cool, even though I'm the only one that gets to see it.

 

whats wrong with Mangroves Jason, or anyone really. I was just about to order 25 shoots of mangroves....please tell me if they're bad....

tia

Scoffer

 

Sorry My (I would Avoid) was meant for the Caulerpa.

I think Mangroves are very cool and would love some, but I do not have a fuge

J

 

Jason,
Why would you avoid the calurpa???? I have some in my fuge and was wondering if there was a reason or instance you had with this type of algae??