Refugium question

[johnsamm7]

so I'm kicking around the idea of starting a refugium in my tank nuvo fusion 30l has a chamber in the back with an overflow. Do I start with the algae in the media basket with the light on at night while the display tank lights are off then add the pods do I add sand as well in the rear chamber how do I go about starting one is there a specific guild line to start with just the algae for a while then add the pods or something like that thanks for the insight much appreciated

 

[Diesel]

Don't know that kind of tank but it sounds about right though.
NO SAND I can tell you that.
Algae would be nice start with a small ball of cheato, sometimes for $5 at your LFS or free from local members.
Good flow and yes a light prefer a 10k daylight or a plant grow light.
Yes reverse schedule on the light, is good for a stable PH in the tank too.

 

[johnsamm7]

Cool and if I wanted to add Copepods and amphipods in there as well would they be able to reproduce in the environment with the algae and also add live rock in it

 

[Diesel]

Pods are a great thing to have in there as it will be a breeding ground for them and you'll supply your tank with them on the same time.
A small piece of LR should be ok.

 

[Wicked5oh]

No sand in a fuge?

 

[Diesel]

No sand in a fuge?

The chamber on this tank isn't really made for a full fuge setup.
Btw, most refugiums I have seen in the last 5 years go without a sandbed.
If you do a sand bed make it a deep one 4 to 6" at least.
Although a sand bed at to the nutrient reducing method to the system with better skimmers and full size reactors and crazy tumbling bio-pellets most tanks run to low on No3 now days.
Of course you have to see that per system as not all the same.
Again we see a lot of tanks that hobbyist running way to low on N03's and the new thing is in this hobby No3 dosing from the last two years.