dustins first tank. 120 gallon(lots of pics)

[fatman]

Originally Posted by dustin_P74

ok we can keep talking about computers on here all you want because thats what i love talking about it, but i do have a question. i am thinking about setting up a fuge instead of having the bio balls in there, so how do i do i set it up with everything staying in my tank above me

That depends on what you expect from your fuge. What is the main reason you want a fuge and design to fit those needs. If its is for nitrate removal principally then it will not be as good for pods and such, and vice versa. If it is principally to grow macro algae, then you need to decide what is secondly most important. Mainly the design differences are based upon the amount of water flowing through the refugium and whether or not you need sand (and how deep) or a light. For critters you flow less water, for nitrate removal you flow more water, for macro algae you need a light.

[dustin_P74]

well its mostly for more pristine looking water and whats the purpose of growing out macro algae, and i havent decided if itll be more for growing pods or nitrate

[cgoodman381]

It can be for both pods and nitrate removal if you want. Macro algae,depending on what type, can be a breeding ground for pods and also use extra phosphates in the water.

Good algae to prevent the bad stuff.

[cgoodman381]

Oh and I recently converted my wet/dry to a sump/fuge. Its pretty unconventional, but it does the job ok.

[Bifferwine]

Did you solve your sump overflowing problem? Like others have pointed out, you either need holes drilled in each return line to prevent a reverse siphon, or a one way valve installed on the return line (which is what I have). That way, when the return pump shuts off, water doesn't get drained from the tank back through the return lines.

Since you had your tank professionally installed, I'd call whoever installed it and tell them what the problem is. A foot and a half of space in your sump is more than enough (my sump only needs about 6 inches of space).

Next, macro algae uses phosphates and nitrates, just like pest algae (hair algae, cyano, film algae, etc). If you have macroalgae in your fuge, it takes up these nutrients which leaves nothing left for the pest algae to use. Using macroalgae in your fuge is a great way to lower phosphates, nitrates and get rid of pest algae.

[dustin_P74]

yeah im going to give them a call tomorrow and figure the overflow problem out, and i guess ill do it for the macro algae growing and for pod growth, and for the great looking water

[cgoodman381]

D,
depending on how your sump is set up now, DO SOME PLANNING before converting it. Mine gave me a ton of headaches over a couple days because I didnt take every little factor into account.

If you want help without crowding the thread shoot me a pm and ill snap some pics and explain how I did mine.

[dustin_P74]

sounds good

[dustin_P74]

um i think i have decided to start with adding coral in my tank, will mushrooms and ricordia be ok in my tank, especially ok with not being nipped at by the angels

[Alexander]

both should be just fine with angels