Starting a refugium

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

I want to turn a 55 gallon tank into a deep sand bed refugium/sump for a 120.

I'm still in the planning stage but I want to move the DT upstairs right above a 55 gallon tank that I'm using as a QT right now. The DT has been running for years without sand and I want to see more life that can't live without sand. So I want two DT the 120 upstairs without sand and a cool looking sump downstairs.

Wondering what's the best way and time to do this? Should I start the 55 now as it's own system? Or add it in when I move the 120?

MaiReef · Mar 1, 2019

I would add it later if it will need to be moved. Otherwise, starting it with Macros and 600gph flow(DC pump would allow the change for the head height later. I think an inch or two of sand would be fine for sand dwellers and you could grow some serious mermaid fans as they run roots in fine sand and spread out all over.

Captmcfly · Mar 1, 2019

Following! Be a cool setup to have a display feuge in one room and a killer reef in another.

Hemmdog · Mar 1, 2019

Jon Malkerson said:
I want to turn a 55 gallon tank into a deep sand bed refugium/sump for a 120.

I'm still in the planning stage but I want to move the DT upstairs right above a 55 gallon tank that I'm using as a QT right now. The DT has been running for years without sand and I want to see more life that can't live without sand. So I want two DT the 120 upstairs without sand and a cool looking sump downstairs.

Wondering what's the best way and time to do this? Should I start the 55 now as it's own system? Or add it in when I move the 120?

If your looking for deep sand bed for its benefits your gonna have to approach this differently than just a fuge. Deep sand beds need at least 6 inches of sand to actually be beneficial. In a 55 that’s a ton of sand.

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

Hemmdog said:
If your looking for deep sand bed for its benefits your gonna have to approach this differently than just a fuge. Deep sand beds need at least 6 inches of sand to actually be beneficial. In a 55 that’s a ton of sand.

Yep 160 pounds are on the way.

Captmcfly · Mar 1, 2019

Could section off half the tank to a deep sand bed with a mangrove and some other rooted flora and then a section with less sand and add other desired flora and fauna ??

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

MaiReef said:
I would add it later if it will need to be moved. Otherwise, starting it with Macros and 600gph flow(DC pump would allow the change for the head height later. I think an inch or two of sand would be fine for sand dwellers and you could grow some serious mermaid fans as they run roots in fine sand and spread out all over.

The 55 will not be moved

Hemmdog · Mar 1, 2019

Jon Malkerson said:
Yep 160 pounds are on the way.

Nice, what kind did you get? The depth will depend on grain size.

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

Hemmdog said:
Nice, what kind did you get? The depth will depend on grain size.

Oolite

Hemmdog · Mar 1, 2019

Jon Malkerson said:
Oolite

Nice, won’t have to be as deep. 4-6 inches should see benefits with oolite

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

I know it says live sand but I'll need to add life to it. What kinds of critters are good for dsb that won't eat the life out of it?

Hemmdog · Mar 1, 2019

Jon Malkerson said:
I know it says live sand but I'll need to add life to it. What kinds of critters are good for dsb that won't eat the life out of it?

I’d just plumb it into your 120. It will populate itself with life. I wouldn’t set it up as it’s own system then connect it to your existing tank, seems like it could potentially crash your existing tank.

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

I've been plagued with velvet and ick before so everything needs QT time. That's why I was thinking of starting it now.

CoralClasher · Mar 1, 2019

Well wife put a stop to the idea of fish tank upstairs. Still going to start this refugium build. Wondering how I should proceed? Should I plumb the tank and get the water running then add sand or fill the 55 with sand and water let the dust clear then plumb it to the 120?

Captmcfly · Mar 1, 2019

Jon Malkerson said:
Well wife put a stop to the idea of fish tank upstairs. Still going to start this refugium build. Wondering how I should proceed? Should I plumb the tank and get the water running then add sand or fill the 55 with sand and water let the dust clear then plumb it to the 120?

I’d get everything plumed and ready to roll then proceed with everything else as you would with a typical build ??

CoralClasher · Mar 4, 2019

One more thought before I get started with this build the 55 gallon tank I'm going to use will be sitting on 1/2 inch plywood on cold concrete should I use some kind of heated pad under the tank?

Captmcfly · Mar 4, 2019

I’d set it on foam myself you might have heat loss on the concrete I’m sure a good heater would keep up but it’s more power out the door. Or floor for that matter

CoralClasher · Mar 7, 2019

Ok just got started on this build. 55 gallon tank, 160 pounds of Oolite sand do I really want to run this through the DT right away or wait till clears a bit?

CoralClasher · Mar 7, 2019

All the fish are in QT only thing in DT is snails few hermit crabs and corals. Should be fine to just run it through and watch for ammonia right? It's just new sand and pre boxed water.