"Refugium" out of small breeder box?

[govolsguy31]

Hey guys-

Doing a little research on fuges. I'm having a little bit of trouble with nitrates in my tank after physically moving homes. When we moved, we got rid of a 4 or 5 inch sand bed. Nitrates last night were 80ppm according to API test kit. 90G display with 20G sump. Softies, mushrooms, zoas. Yellow tang, small Blue Hippo, couple clowns, bicolor blenny, pj cardinal, blue damsel and coral beauty angel. Bubble Magus skimmer and filter socks are the only filtration besides live rock, etc.

Would adding some chaeto or sea lettuce to a small breeder box (I have one that's probably 4"X6") and dropping it in my biggest chamber in my sump make much a difference over time? I realize this isn't an instant fix and I'm working through a couple big water changes right now. Obviously would get a bright grow light to support it. My biggest chamber where this would fit is also my return chamber, so the breeder box would prevent it from "clogging" my return pump.

Was looking at some of the HOB aquaclear DIY conversions too for fuges, but thought this might be an easier option since I already have it. If it isn't a good option or wouldn't help much, I'll go the HOB option. Just wondering if anyone has tried this before or has any input.

Thanks!

 

[govolsguy31]

Bump

 

[Peace River]

Hey guys-

Doing a little research on fuges. I'm having a little bit of trouble with nitrates in my tank after physically moving homes. When we moved, we got rid of a 4 or 5 inch sand bed. Nitrates last night were 80ppm according to API test kit. 90G display with 20G sump. Softies, mushrooms, zoas. Yellow tang, small Blue Hippo, couple clowns, bicolor blenny, pj cardinal, blue damsel and coral beauty angel. Bubble Magus skimmer and filter socks are the only filtration besides live rock, etc.

Would adding some chaeto or sea lettuce to a small breeder box (I have one that's probably 4"X6") and dropping it in my biggest chamber in my sump make much a difference over time? I realize this isn't an instant fix and I'm working through a couple big water changes right now. Obviously would get a bright grow light to support it. My biggest chamber where this would fit is also my return chamber, so the breeder box would prevent it from "clogging" my return pump.

Was looking at some of the HOB aquaclear DIY conversions too for fuges, but thought this might be an easier option since I already have it. If it isn't a good option or wouldn't help much, I'll go the HOB option. Just wondering if anyone has tried this before or has any input.

Thanks!

Will the breeder box solution work, grow chaeto, and draw down your nitrates - yes, probably. If the breeder box has solid sides and bottom then you won't have good flow and water exchange. In contrast, if the breeder box has holes/open slats in the side and/or bottom then the chaeto may shed bits that will get into the return pump with the potential of less than positive long term impact. Is it possible for you to add a foam wall in the return pump chamber for separation?

 

[cracker]

Hello T , Have You thought about an algae scrubber? These work well for those with out a lot of room. If ya use the Hob , please let us know how it works out .

 

[govolsguy31]

Hello T , Have You thought about an algae scrubber? These work well for those with out a lot of room. If ya use the Hob , please let us know how it works out .

@cracker , I think you’ve changed my mind. I’ve found a couple DIY algae scrubbers that I really like the sound of and sound like it will be a better solution. More on this to come. Thanks guys!!