Refugium: Could I, Should I?

[jasper24]

I have a 40B with an 18G plastic tub for a sump. In the sump is just a filter sock over the PVC drain pipe and a pump of course. There is really no good way to section it off but I was wondering if I could take a smaller plastic container and put some rubble and macro in it. Anyone ever done this? Would I realize any benefit? Thanks!

[bbcorvette]

Go for it. I would look on DIY.

[Blown 346]

The benefits from a fuge are less proteins, nitrtates,algaes plus pod populations. I would go for it.

[Gawain1974]

Definitely check out the DIY forum. If you don't have room under your tank for the fuge, you might consider a hang-on-the-back fuge. I have a HOB fuge on my 55, and although it's rather small compared to my overall tank volume, it has done a nice job of reducing my nitrates, it's teeming with pods, and I harvest the cheato and take it to the LFS for trade-in.

[jasper24]

Ok if I place a smaller plastic container in my sump as a refugium what all should it contain?

[Blown 346]

You could use some sand a little live rock and some macro algae.

[Gawain1974]

Originally posted by jasper24
Ok if I place a smaller plastic container in my sump as a refugium what all should it contain?

I have about 3" of sand in mine, some LR rubble, cheato algae, and a tiger tail sea cucumber to keep the sand turned over.