Nano/ pico fuges?

[Kehy]

I'm considering/ absolutely going to add a small Hob filter modified to be a refugium into my 8" cube. I have a light I feel would work just fine, so that's not a concern. I'm not sure where the nitrates are coming from, but this might be the best solution in the mid-term to deal with them.

What have been people's experiences with adding refugiums to tiny tanks? Any tips or tricks?

 

[andrewkw]

My tip would be not to waste your time and just remove the nitrate water and replace it with nitrate free water.

 

[Kehy]

My tip would be not to waste your time and just remove the nitrate water and replace it with nitrate free water.

I'm doing x1-3 (so once every few days) 30% water changes a week and still having problems. I figure a fuge would help handle the buildup between those water changes.

Again, no idea where the nitrates are coming from, so until I figure that out, I need to treat symptoms. No fish or inverts that I feed, and frankly, I haven't been able to find my coral food since I moved. No algae, since I have a great cuc, but there's signs it's a problem

 

[andrewkw]

Your water is probably the problem then. First test the new water. If it does read 0 nitrate then Try doing 200-300% water change. Going over 100% will allow you to flush out the system.

 

[Kehy]

Your water is probably the problem then. First test the new water. If it does read 0 nitrate then Try doing 200-300% water change. Going over 100% will allow you to flush out the system.

It would be testing nitrates fresh mixed? I use store bought distilled and IO reef crystals. Asking, because I don't have to deal with this in the fresh world. Usually I'm adding nitrates there

 

[Blitz7737]

Similar issues, the nitrates have always been a big one in our tiny ocean. About to link in an aquamax reactor converted to a fuge. Keep a watch on my build to see how it goes, I'll be posting an update this weekend and my chaeto is scheduled to arrive early next week.

 

[Blitz7737]

Also, might be DI and reef crystals. Since I switched to crystals, def seeing a nutrient bloom as I'm getting a diatom burst as we speak. Lol. Chemistry is weird.

 

[Kehy]

So I grabbed some tiny HOB filter, did the fuge as I said I would, and dang, that's really helped. Everyone is much happier. Even the side of me that likes to tinker and play with ideas like they're shiny toys is happy.

 

[Blitz7737]

So I grabbed some tiny HOB filter, did the fuge as I said I would, and dang, that's really helped. Everyone is much happier. Even the side of me that likes to tinker and play with ideas like they're shiny toys is happy.

YASSSS. Glad to hear it. I'm excited for the added stability as well. Hope it helps!

 

[Blitz7737]

Gotta get you a build thread going so we can share in the fun of your journey too.

 

[Kehy]

Gotta get you a build thread going so we can share in the fun of your journey too.

Haha, I have two going for both my picos that now have fuges (including a mini complete) I'd update but... I've gotten really busy lately, the CUC are on strike, and the algae is strong with these ones. Should just be a quick scrub and a water change before I actually update

 

[Kehy]

I can at least show you these on the mini compete. I run that lighting on a reverse schedule, and end up with this as a night light.

 

[Blitz7737]

I can at least show you these on the mini compete. I run that lighting on a reverse schedule, and end up with this as a night light.

What an adorable little night light. I love it.

Out of curiosity, what are you running in your fuge? Just chaeto?

 

[Kehy]

Yup, just chaeto. It was strongly suggested that I use macros in the build before I even set it up. As per protocol, I have firmly ignored until if/ when I decide on that myself

 

[Blitz7737]

Take everything with a dash of salt water! Nobody knows how to run that pico but you! Lol. Also gonna run chaeto. Currently have a DIY live rock canister as well that lives as a bio filter. Depending on how the aquamax works, might upgrade that into a reactor as well.

 

[no name ...]

My tip would be not to waste your time and just remove the nitrate water and replace it with nitrate free water.

Totally agree. Keep it simple when you are dealing with a small tank or any tank in general. Water changes are the way to go.

 

[Kehy]

Totally agree. Keep it simple when you are dealing with a small tank or any tank in general. Water changes are the way to go.

As mentioned before, I do up to x3 30% water changes a week and it's not solving the problem. Thus far, the fuge has proven to work and is every bit as simple.