how to go about setting up a refugium?

[Michael pugh]

I have a section in a DIY sump I got from a local reefer and I'm using it on a new tank setup. i never had any luck making a refugium work for me. cheato never grew or if it did it was at such a slow rate.

do I need additional flow just in that section?

is adding rubble rock or marine pure a good idea?

what light should I use?

is having air bubbles a bad idea or will that help ph?

 

[kkeller416]

Small cheap light setup is fine..I have a innovative marine fuge light that works well. Or you could do a simple home depot clamp on work lamp..macro algae doesn't need a ton of light.. But flow should be decent running thru it.

 

[Michael pugh]

Small cheap light setup is fine..I have a innovative marine fuge light that works well. Or you could do a simple home depot clamp on work lamp..macro algae doesn't need a ton of light.. But flow should be decent running thru it.

I have a small power head in there now to allow additional flow in that section. the pump has a air line that can add air bubbles also. is that worth using or no?

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I used this light on my last tank, and am very happy with it. I actually switched to a H380, and then back to this light.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HPIPM70/ref=twister_B077YBQL9N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Michael pugh]

I used this light on my last tank, and am very happy with it. I actually switched to a H380, and then back to this light.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HPIPM70/ref=twister_B077YBQL9N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

ok so a clip light will work. what else makes a fuge work well?

does phyto help?

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I also added Iron/Manganese mix once a week and that really seemed to help keep the chaeto growing. If you're doing regular water changes, you might not need to supplement anything. I feed very heavy, 6 days a week and I've never had [high] nutrient issues.
https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16857

I've never dosed phyto, but unless you have another intended use for it, I wouldn't add it for the sole purpose of your macroalgae/refugium

 

[Michael pugh]

ok. the plan for the tank is zoas and Lps