Refugium

[Ricco]

Hi all quick question,

I want to set up a fug on my 120 but i'm not sure what all is needed. Currently, I have a couple of extra pieces pukani dry rock in the sump. I want to add cheto, do i need any mud to complete the fug or is the rock enough?

 

[FartyParty]

What are you looking to do by adding a refugium? Remove undesirable nutrients? Create pod population? Frag rack? Meet Triton requirement? Other?

 

[Ricco]

What are you looking to do by adding a refugium? Remove undesirable nutrients? Create pod population? Frag rack? Meet Triton requirement? Other?

To start i would like to export nutrients and create a pod population. I have looked at the Triton method but not clear on it yet.

 

[FartyParty]

To start i would like to export nutrients and create a pod population. I have looked at the Triton method but not clear on it yet.

If you are converting, I would focus on a quality light source and some hearty macro algae on a bare bottom. I run 5 different types of macro algae and a Kessil H380 light on 8 hour night periods and I have no measurable no2, no3, p04 or ammonia in what I consider an overstocked 50 gallon cube. I do have a mixture of fiji mud and special grade sand in the bottom of my refugium, but it's a mess to deal with at first and i wouldnt do that if you arent 100% committed.

 

[Ricco]

Thanks for the comments. Secondary question, can I run a algae scrubber and a refugium at the same time or is that overkill.

 

[FartyParty]

I sort of do that now, unintentionally. i have a catch cup with marine pure bio balls and the top gets exposed to the nightly 8 hours of Kessil H380 grow spectrum, so its got a healthy amount of thick green hair algae which i harvest monthly. I'm convinced there is an undiscovered industrial use for the type of hair alage that grows on there--it seems stronger than steel!

 

[User1]

I would add or change one thing at a time if your goal is to export nutrients and bring a healthy pod population online. A scrubber and growing macro algae in a refugium would be counter productive I would believe since they are using the same nutrients to grow / eat. Refugium would probably be better if you can plumb it in. On the committed part - if this is something you want to try it isn't really expensive to start but I would recommend a different light until you are sure. Kessil's are not cheap by any means. You can look on Amazon for the mars grow light. In most cases overkill and it will grow what you are trying to. You can also do some searches and see what others are using.