refugium question

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Alec, Dec 12, 2013.

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  1. Alec

    Alec Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2013
    Messages:
    29
    Location:
    Arkansas
    I am setting up my refugium to keep me bizzy wile saving for main tank.
    I have 2 separate 55gal and 40gal tanks for this. One will have 50 lbs live figi rock and a 6inc sand bed also from figi. The other will have algae. Both have 500-800gph power heads and
    2 5200k lights On each. It will have 500 bio balls and 12inc/15inc carbon bag. My questions are how long before I add a clean up crew to sand bed. I know it needs time to populate the worms and things but how long till it's safe. The main tank I am buying has a protein skimmer so I dont have one yet. Will I need one for this refugium? Last do you see anything I am doing wrong? It will be about 6 months befor I have the main tank with protein skimmer.
    Thanks for any help or tips!
     
    Alec, Dec 12, 2013
    Alec, Dec 12, 2013
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    You won't need a clean-up crew or skimmer until you get the main DT connected; their jobs are to clean up after fish. You can add shrimp/crabs/whatever for entertainment, but you'll need to feed them, obviously. :)

    I would not recommend the bio-balls. Your live rock will serve the same purpose. Bio-balls work best in a trickle filter w/prefilter media; otherwise, they have a strong potential to become a detritus trap/nitrate factory.
     
    Mr. Bill, Dec 12, 2013
    Mr. Bill, Dec 12, 2013
    #2
  3. Alec

    Alec Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2013
    Messages:
    29
    Location:
    Arkansas
    ok awsome! no bio balls got it thanks! woot saves me some $ :)
     
    Alec, Dec 12, 2013
    Alec, Dec 12, 2013
    #3