How do you maintain your refugium?

[bashduo]

The 30 gal refugium with 3" deep, small diameter crushed coral substrate has been running on our 5 year old 90 gal. mixed reef for 3 years now with virtually no maintenance other than turning and removing chaeto. once in a while. At this point, there is hair algae growing on the refugium walls and on the chaeto. I've never vacuumed the refugium substrate and wonder if it would be a good idea? (Hair algae is not much of a problem in the main tank other than a bit growing on the crushed coral bottom or lower rock edges.)

How do you maintain your refugium?

[BryanJ]

With crushed coral I would try vacuuming it. I would also remove the hair algae. Another choice would be to purchase a clean up crew for it. Chocolate chip star eats everything it may be a cheap solution.

Cleaning the fuge is still the best. I would shut the tank down remove the fuge and all of its substrate and put fresh stuff in.