In-Sump Refugium

[jeffmuse]

Alright everyone, my first tank build is coming along nicely and I have gathered up a variety of components. Here is what I have:

65 Gallon pre-drilled overflow (Thanks Jeff Mcphail!)
250 HM/ x2 Power Compact fixture w Icecap ballast
Stand/Hood
Mag 7 pump
x2 Koralia 3 power heads
x2 Stealth Heater 100 watts
Pure Water Club RO/DI

My next purchase will be an in-sump refugium and I have read a lot of conflicting information on how to best set one up. I have a few questions:

* What are the best macro-algae to use within the refugium?
* What are the best feeder animals to put in the refugium?
* Is it better to go with a deep sand bed refugium, or use a mud bed?
* Does the lighting schedule for the refugium need to be run opposite to that of the display tank?

Any feedback would be MUCH APPRECIATED!



Jeff

 

[weaglereefer]

I think most would agree that chaeto is good.

Pods, usually you can seed your algae with someone else's algae, or buy them from the store.

I'm personally going with a DSB, don't know the difference.

running opposite lighting schedules helps with the pH swing that naturally occurs with lights on/off. It will still happen, just not be as severe.

 

[jeffmuse]

au01st;364528 wrote: I think most would agree that chaeto is good.

Pods, usually you can seed your algae with someone else's algae, or buy them from the store.

I'm personally going with a DSB, don't know the difference.

running opposite lighting schedules helps with the pH swing that naturally occurs with lights on/off. It will still happen, just not be as severe.

I appreciate the feedback! My plan is to also go with a deep sand bed (around 5-6 inches) for my refug. In addition to the refugium, I am going to have a fairly deep bed in the display tank as well (approx 4 inches). From what I understand, the deep sand beds promote a zero oxygen zone which promote a variety of anaerobic bacteria.

I have spoken to a couple of the ARC sponsors over the past weeks and I have gotten a lot of positive feed back on the Mud Beds as a great base for growing macro algae. I am not very famaliar with this approach, and would be interested in hearing about anyone's experiences with the mud beds.



Jeff

 

[hellfire]

I run the Refug. lights 24/7. I did a lot of reading, and tried the reverse approach first.

I notice TONS of growth 24/7. Just do some research, and see which method works the best for you.

Tyler