Refugium...

Madhouse · #1 06/28/2006, 04:40 PM

i have a extra 10g tank and was thinking of settin up a refugium...
so what exactly are all the things that i need to set one up...

kraze3 · #2 06/28/2006, 04:43 PM

I would put a thin layer of sand. A few pieces of LR or even a bunch of LR rubble. Then add some macro algae. Toss in some snails or hermits or whatever of your choice and there ya go.
Run part of your water into the reugium and let the refugium empty into the return section of your sump.

Madhouse · #3 06/28/2006, 04:46 PM

can i use cheato only..? or should i put buncha different macro..?

whiteshark · #4 06/28/2006, 04:49 PM

All I have in my fuge is Cheato and caulerpa. Nothing else. All cheato would be fine, IMO.

Madhouse · #5 06/28/2006, 04:50 PM

ok thanks guys for the quick responses..

fishylad · #6 06/28/2006, 07:46 PM

IMO do the sand, cheato, LR and snails. That way pods can grow and get to the tank. Crabs will kill the snails and pods if they need food

dmbnpj · #7 06/28/2006, 08:01 PM

Yup, I run a 10 gallon refugium as well. I have a thick layer of aragonite on the bottom, few big peices of live rock, snails, chaeto and caulerpa.

TheBadGuy · #8 06/28/2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

IMO do the sand, cheato, LR and snails. That way pods can grow and get to the tank.

I know this may be a dumb question but the pods return to the tank via pump. If you have a submersible pump, will the pods make it to the tank or be "chopped up" in the pump's blades?

jmorgret · #9 06/28/2006, 08:30 PM

I'm setting up a small 10g as well, waiting for the baffles to dry. I really don't want to buy any more live rock, can I just stick some base rock in there and let it eventually seed? If so, can I use any kind of base rock?

ek9vboi · #10 06/28/2006, 09:34 PM

Most pods that "travel" through the return pump get through it fine. Others... 25% or less get chopped but it will end up being food for the tank anyways... so don't feel too bad.

You can use base rock in the sump, it will be seeded. But I would add a piece of live rock from your display to make sure it will be seeded with whatever u have in your display tank.

Kurt03 · #11 06/28/2006, 11:28 PM

is the sand in the fuge a must for the pods?

Fishie Nut · #12 06/28/2006, 11:41 PM

I'd like to add to that question. I set up my fuge with LR and LS, Chaeto and I'm going to add Caulerpa. I also dumped in a small "can" of Fiji Mud -- whew! Clouded up the whole tank.

Question: Is the sand a good idea or a bad idea or it can go either way?

Kurt03 · #13 06/28/2006, 11:42 PM

I was wondering about the sand just because i think barebottom would be better if the pods dont need the sand. Unless your running a dsb in there that is.

Fishie Nut · #14 06/28/2006, 11:43 PM

I have read, here and other places, that a DSB is not good in a fuge, unless there is a large surface area.

MJAnderson · #15 06/29/2006, 07:54 AM

I'm not sure if it's not good for a small fuge as much as much as it just doesn't add anything. Not enough area to aid in filtration.

fishylad · #16 06/29/2006, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheBadGuy
I know this may be a dumb question but the pods return to the tank via pump. If you have a submersible pump, will the pods make it to the tank or be "chopped up" in the pump's blades?

Mine travel thru there fine they are very small for the most part and have even tested with some bristle worms and they make it thru ok.

exacta123 · #17 06/29/2006, 02:18 PM

I dont think having sand, LR and snails in a fuge is benificial IMO cheato is enough