Refugium Q&A

I've had my litter in there for about a year...I really dont know what it's benefits are.. but it makes a really nice strong-hold for all of my planted mangroves...and its loaded with pods, worms, and other good stuff...soooo...i guess its still fine..lol ;D

 

Helps indeed. Thanks, Mike.

Didn't know about the difference between the 3" and 4". I'll be using a 20g tall, could go up to 5" or so if necessary. Or is too deep a bad thing?

Also, about the mud/kitty litter/sand question. I was trying to figure out why the mud/kitty litter is better than just using all sand.
In other words...

Which would be better and why?
1) 3" kitty litter with 2" sand on top?
or
2) 5" sand?

 

5" is good. Not sure about the "too deep" question though... I don't think there would be a problem, but I'm not 100% sure

The first one would be cheaper... lol and it would be good to keep mangroves planted in as it is more viscous than sand. Mangroves like slower current and something for the roots to grab hold on.

 

If you add dry base rock you will not see a cycle as there is no dead organics to produce ammonia, instead the bacteria from the DT will colonize any availabe surface naturally.

My fuge is nearly a year old now with 10lbs of Ecosystem Miracle Mud from a tank I had back in 2003, and a fresh 1gallon jug of CaribSea refugium mud all covered by 1 1/2" to 2" of fine argonite sand from MarcoRocks left over from the DT.
I have no intention of replacing any of it, might add to it but only if my mangroves die off without an explanation!

 

Option 1 is better because the clay/mud contains many different trace elements that naturally leach into the water eliminating the need to dose anything but mag/cal/ alk.
The directions on most mud containers states to cover the mud with 1" of fine sand.

 

The issue imo with mud is that in a closed system the elements are used up quickly which forces the need to add a booster pack to the mud.

 

True which is advantage to using the kitty litter. (I knew there were other reasons.. lol)

 

So like the rock from Reefcleaners.org won't cause a cycle?

Live sand will though right?

 

nope, it shouldn't but you may get a small spike with the live sand. (no need for it, if you want to seed it use a scoop from the DT, dont buy it.)

 

I wanted to use the leftover for the DT. :-/ I would like a little bit more than what I have now... Would it be a significant spike? enough to affect my livestock?

Any ways to avoid it? Possibly have it cycle not connected to the system and then connect them after somehow?