Advice on fuge

thebradybunch · #1 01/04/2008, 10:06 AM

I am buidling a 20 gallon sump/fuge for a 72 gallon tank. I have 2 questions for you. First, what is everyone's feelings on using a Plenum setup for your sand bed in the fuge? Second, are most people using LS and LR in the fuge or just LS. I am planning on using Cheato in the fuge. The sump/fuge is being used on a soon to be reef tank.

obzezzed350 · #2 01/04/2008, 10:23 AM

I have a DSB of live sand in my fuge with a small piece of LR that helps anchor the chaeto.

ihopss · #3 01/04/2008, 10:39 AM

I have a dsb and lr,the lr i do not want in the dt.

TheOtherReefer · #4 01/04/2008, 10:43 AM

LR in the fuge will provide shelter for your pods to live and reproduce. The LR will also help with bio filtration. Chaeto should not be anchored down. It should be allowed space at the surface of the fuge. Chaeto that remains anchored will eventually be blocked from light and might decide to go sexual to reproduce to make up for the positioning. This might lead to a tank crash....not fun. Chaeto should cover a thin layer at the surface and should be prunned regularly to avoid any inconsistencies. When placing LR in the sump use the same method as if aquascaping an aquarium. Try to have as little of the rock touching the sand. If rocks cover the sand there will be dead spots and water flow through the fuge will be compromised. Hope this helps. Cheers!!

thebradybunch · #5 01/04/2008, 12:46 PM

Thanks guys for the help. Does anyone want to comment as to whether there are any benefits to using a Plenum design in the fuge?

Thanks again