Refugium question

ok so what i need is a

Spiral flourescent light bulb 40 watts day light 6500k

can i use dead sand and where do i get micro algae

 

i got a local dealer with allot of refugiums ill ask if hes got micro algae. And if i use chaeto what duz it do and what do i need to take care of it? O and how long do i run my light on the micro algae? O and how long do i run the light on the micro algae?

 

Chaeto is a macro algae, it looks like green fishing line all twisted into a big ball. You can ask your local fish store if they have any, or look for the forum on here that has stuff for sale, sometimes other members sell it for ten dollars or so. If your mother goes to Lowe's, have her look for the light bulbs that are spiral flourescent bulbs, not the halogen bulbs. They should be under five dollars. I think you will do well with chaeto, sometimes you'll see it called chaetomorpha algae. I does look like curly green hair. What it does is uses extra nutrients in your water and helps keep nitrates lower. It uses nutrients that green, brown, hair algae, need to grow so it helps keep those things under control. All you need to take care of it is your light, you don't need sand, it just floats in your sump I have mine where my bio balls used to be. If there is a lot of water moving around on top of the chaeto, it will grow thick. If there is only a little water moving, it will grow longer and flat. Another thing is it grows copepods and other pods, those little bug things, that are good for fish to eat.

 

i now what your talking about the fish store owner has some ill get some chaeto now do i use same bulb and how long do i leve the light on for it?

 

Weee ok man im getting it thank u so much!

 

Yes, the same bulb in your clamp on fixture. I have my fuge light on from 6:30 at night until 8:30 in the morning. I have it on while my tank lights are off. The chaeto does need lights out time to rest and grow properly. One more thing, if your tank is newer, it may take a bit of time for you to see the chaeto grow. As you add living things to it and food for those critters, the chaeto will get what it needs. It is pretty easy to use. Good luck and have fun!!!

 

what if i run it as long as my tank duz? i run my tank lights from 11:00am to 8:00pm at night is this ok>?

 

If you want to run the lights at the same time, that's fine. If you run the fuge light at night, it can help keep your pH up over night because pH levels drop when the tank light is out. Some people have their refugiums out in the open and leaving the light on over night is too bright, especially if it's in their bedroom! So if you need to have the light on during the day with your tank lights, that will work too.