Refugium operation and tuning

[12gallonsofhex]

Hello all my fellow reefers! I am looking for some information/advice on operating my 'fuge. I have searched and see a lot of threads about building them and lighting them, but can not find much info about tuning them.

Here is my problem: I have low to zero nitrates and phosphates reading on my test kits. This has been verified by my local lfs's test kits. Last weekend I started feeding a little more than I like, reduced the refugium lighting schedule to 7 hrs, and pulled all but a fist sized chunk of chaeto. My nutrients are actually lower this week. Any thoughts? Any good articles on refugium practices?

My tank is a 20 long with a 10 gallon sump running a filter sock, skimmer, and 6 actual gallon fuge. Thank you for any advise or direction.

 

[tdlawdo]

Hello all my fellow reefers! I am looking for some information/advice on operating my 'fuge. I have searched and see a lot of threads about building them and lighting them, but can not find much info about tuning them.

Here is my problem: I have low to zero nitrates and phosphates reading on my test kits. This has been verified by my local lfs's test kits. Last weekend I started feeding a little more than I like, reduced the refugium lighting schedule to 7 hrs, and pulled all but a fist sized chunk of chaeto. My nutrients are actually lower this week. Any thoughts? Any good articles on refugium practices?

My tank is a 20 long with a 10 gallon sump running a filter sock, skimmer, and 6 actual gallon fuge. Thank you for any advise or direction.

I’d like to hear this also. No answer for you as this is my first use of a sump and fuge also. Can’t get my nutrients up either. Waiting to hear some answers.

 

[12gallonsofhex]

I’d like to hear this also. No answer for you as this is my first use of a sump and fuge also. Can’t get my nutrients up either. Waiting to hear some answers.

Hopefully someone with similar experience chimes in. I don't want to throw a ton of food at it and have a detritus problem.

 

[Crabby48]

I’m here for the answers also.

 

[legionofdoon]

If it's not broke don't fix it. If your livestock is fine I would not change anything. Maybe feed more. Also the lower levels may be due to detritus trapped in your chaeto that you removed.

 

[Crabby48]

Can you lower the intensity of the light. Maybe shorten the time more.

 

[12gallonsofhex]

If it's not broke don't fix it. If your livestock is fine I would not change anything. Maybe feed more. Also the lower levels may be due to detritus trapped in your chaeto that you removed.

Its LPS dominate and they dont look as happy as when NO3 is 5 to 10ppm. My 2 purple stylos that I thought were gonners are looking better now though. If i feed anymore i am just throwing junk in my tank. I think i am going to shut off the skimmer and feed on my lunch break and see what happens. Thank you for your advice, I hope to find a good balance soon

 

[SPSReeferMI]

Following along.

I’ve also been bottoming out on phosphate and nitrate. I turned my skimmer down to operate only 8 hours per day and refugium 1 hr per day (after being off for several days). Finally I turned down the intensity on my Kessil H160 Tuna Flora. My goal is to get to a stable 5-10 nitrate.

Has anyone had long term success with a refugium without bottoming out on P04 and N03?