REfugium and what to get it started (algee barn?)

[flobup]

sorry if this is the wrong fourm to be asking the question on but I was just wondering what would be the best starter things to put in my triger system 36 refugium section. I do believe the section is about 8.3 gallons or so. found a starter pack on algee barn that cost around 150 bucks that includes

MarinePure™ 2" Cubes x 20
5280Pods™ 16 oz
OceanMagik™ 16 oz
CleanMacro™ Algae 2 oz

is this worth the money for my 53 gallon tank that I don't play to heavily stock, maybe 3-6 fish in total. will be experimenting with coral in due time as well

thanks !

 

[Ron Reefman]

It's really a personal choice and IMHO, depends some on that is in your DT and how long it's been running.

Reef aquariums are a very slow build process and I don't think spending $150 all at once to start filling a refugium is a good investment. Rather than spend the money, I'd find a local reefer or an LFS that can give you (or sell you) a ziplock baggie full of Chaeto. Get that in the refugium and under some light and see if it grows. If it does, you can add pods later. And decide on whether you really need or want the MarinePure blocks or the OceanMagik. I have a small fuge with lots of pods and even other critters like urchins, shrimp and porcelain crabs. I don't see the need for the extras... but then I'm kind of a minimalist and try to let nature take it's course.