Refugium for 120g

[Earl Karl]

So I've heard of the "refugium should be 10% of your aquarium" rule and I only have a refugium space of 3 gallons for my 120 gallon. I do have a Kessil H380, would that be enough for nutrient reduction for a 120g? I feel like that rule is used for the general consensus with average fuge lighting. I have about ten medium sized fish in the 120 gallon. I just want to maintain 10 NO3 and 0.1 PO3. And I plan to do NO water changes lol, just a ULM mixed reef tank. No protein skimmer as well, so this is already looking bad for me.

 

[jent]

That's probably too much light for a fuge that size. You likely will fry the macro algae, but even if it does survive it certainly wont be equally effective as if the fuge space was larger. The power of the light may even be working against you.

Personally I would rethink your strategy for a small fuge and no skimmer also combined with no water changes. You will need some plan for nutrient export.

 

[Earl Karl]

So even a different grow light with the proper intensity wouldn't change anything? I plan to do bio pellets, but I want to get an idea what my fuge can do.

 

[DavidMiller]

It's possible to get what your after. But a 3g fuge wont make a sizable dent in it.
You'll definitely need some Serious CUC. And some long aged established rock to help. And maybe in a couple or so years, You'll get to that point.
I imagine the size of the fuge is being determined by space, like in the stand or something. You might want to consider setting up a nice display fuge next to your 120DT. Refugiums can look pretty cool if scaped well. Then maintaining it would be easier too.
This is Definitely Not a Fact. Just my 2 pennies worth.

 

[Earl Karl]

I see. I don't mind see algae on the glass or rocks everyday, I just want my NO3 and PO4 at the levels I posted above. But I'm gonna have to do some planning.

 

[Earl Karl]

Does it also matter about the surface area of the macroalgae receiving the light? It's a very odd sump. Even though the width 4 inches, the length x height is 9*16. I have a bunch of horticulture strip lights from that will shine on that area.

 

[Hemmdog]

Does it also matter about the surface area of the macroalgae receiving the light? It's a very odd sump. Even though the width 4 inches, the length x height is 9*16. I have a bunch of horticulture strip lights from that will shine on that area.

Check out my build. My fuge is fairly small and grows like crazy with just a h80. The big light is overkill it will burn the algae. Your gonna need a monster skimmer as well if your fuge is only that big. I have the same issue with a smaller sump and what I’ve been doing and have down there has been working great for me. My numbers are what your looking for.