Hi all ..guess I'm still in the eighties? The concept of the refugium is new to me. I have a Pro Clear 75 wet/dry with bio balls and everything seems to be fine. But I do like the refugium concept. I ran across a pic of my PC filter converted into a refugium and it looks pretty easy to do. Will the filtration and water quality be better if I chuck the bio balls and replace that section with a light and a fuge?I enclosed a pic. I am limited on space under the tank and this seems to be a perfect setup if I decide to do this...Thanks in advance...J
To Sump or Not?
- Thread starter jhenby
- Start date
yote
In Memoriam
No doubt it'll help.The chaeto will help with nutrient removal.
acerhigh
just a reefer
I agree, bioballs tend to store nutrients/nitrates while chaeto will help remove it... can't see any negatives to this change......
Bifferwine
I am a girl
Go for it!
ndepratt
Equipment Junkie
DEFINITELY!! more water volume, better filtration, no equipment in the display, more options with skimmers and equipment in general, easier to keep salinity stable, less heat problems, easier maintenance in general.... the list goes on and on.
I'm a huge fan of sumping, I know you don't have to, but IMO a properly designed marine aquarium uses a sump.
drill away. :P
I'm a huge fan of sumping, I know you don't have to, but IMO a properly designed marine aquarium uses a sump.
drill away. :P
cthegame
Reef enthusiast
I agree 100%
BigH55
I'm that guy
A basis shop light with a PC bulb at 6700k will grow it fine.
ndepratt
Equipment Junkie
woops sorry I didn't realize you were talking about the sump lighting, so bigH is totally right! even a regular lightbulb will work!
I never said anything about the bioballs. They're a nitrate factory. Due to their simplicity they provide a home for lots of nitrifying bacteria, but unlike live rock they don't house anaerobic bacteria (if i have the right term) which breaks down nitrates basically. There all you are doing with bioballs is pulling stuff through the nitrogen cycle so that they become nitrates and phosphates, instead of allowing your skimmer to pull them out before hand. They also collect detritus. Either do the fuge, and remember to harvest the macro algae, or pack it with LR rubble.
Last edited:
acerhigh
just a reefer
this is the fuge light I use.... grows macro like crazy!!!!
http://www.lightsofamerica.com/Products/9266.aspx
home depot sells them here for $42
http://www.lightsofamerica.com/Products/9266.aspx
home depot sells them here for $42
Bifferwine
I am a girl
I use regular old plant bulbs (available at any store) for my fuge lights. I bought some track lighting from Lowe's cheap (about $14 total), mounted them to the wall behind my fuge, and screwed in two plant bulbs. It really doesn't take any special lighting to get algae to grow, as you may know already!!
acerhigh
just a reefer
many ordinary bulbs you find are only 4200K..... macro algae will grow much better under 6500K-6700K light
Ironman
Reef enthusiast
Looks like you have recived alot of good advice, One thing to watch for if you are new to refugiums, when you get ready to add chaeto or caulerpa look closely at the tank or refugium you are recieving it from. There are alot of undesirable hich hickers that come with chaeto, look for flatworms, bristleworms, spiders, and any other unwanted pests. dont add anything you dont want.
yote
In Memoriam
I'd call that one a personal choice.
yote
In Memoriam
Both have their benefits and drawbacks.I dont think ones any better than the other,so it all comes down to which one you like the best.
