Any SPS keepers still using a refugium these days?

[Dapg8gt]

I started using a LED 5500k spotlight on my fuge and basically tripled the growth of my chaeto. Originally was using cfl 6500k spotlight. Paid $30 for it and it works great. Have it running reverse lighting and love it. While not a total SPS system the ones I have recently acquired are doing very well.

 

[Dynamic_Reef]

I too currently run a fuge about 15gallons.. I have used barebottom and carbon dosing methods before.. with the BB i got excellent growth but the colors seem faded and pale. with the carbon dosing method I would be on schedule for like 20 days then forget 2 -3 days sometimes even a week depending on my schedule in RL not to mention i would get random outbreaks of cyno from time to time :uhoh3: now that I running fuge colors seem to be more balanced also I run rowaphos to help out fuge a little currently I do not run any GAC though I am considering it


my 2 cents

 

[psykobowler]

My system total volume is 700+ gallons. I have a 34 gallon oceanic cube fuge with nothing but chaeto lit by a 250 watt metal halide de Phoenix 14k bulb. I harvest half of the ball every two weeks and give it to my lfs. I get deals from them in return. I also use gfo -about 3 cups per month and carbon dose and wet skim water change. Using the halide lets me grow chaeto like crazy and nutrient export effectively. I would say the combination of wet skimming water changes, carbon dosing and chaeto harvesting goes a long way. It's not the size of the fuge but how well you maintain it that's important. You must harvest often for it to be effective.

 

[dunk373]

I'm trying to do the same thing but only with the fuge and a euroreef 180 skimmer. What light are you running on your fuge? i'm going to have a 50w smd led..

I use a cheap pc light 4 pc bulbs 65w each 3 10k and an actinic. I replace the bulbs when they don't work. When it fails I may use t5"s they're cheaper.

 

[t4zalews]

I purely have mine for all the little critters that grow in it. Good natural food source for fish and CORALS. If it pulls out some of the excess nutrients great. I have noticed that my Ph does stay more stable with it as well. run chaeto 24/7.

 

[frankyrivera]

I have a 90 gallon sump which I divided into 3 25 gallon sections one being a fuge the other the skimmer section and the return chamber in the middle love the fuge have tons of pods and a cheato basketball Lol

 

[natedogg]

I wasn't planning on using one. I've seen tons of great tanks with and without.

 

[reefmutt]

I believe that there is a strong stabilizing role that a dsb fuge plays. Yes a total bare bottom system may not hold as much detritus and nutrients but in my non scientific opinion, the dsp keeps the nutrient levels more stable and, I guess more naturally processed...
I still believe in gfo, water changes and periodic use gac but I feel that a dsb gives the system a little more leeway in dealing with nutrients...
Of course, I have no science to back this up only my past experience which shows me better long term success when a dsb is in the system.

 

[reefmutt]

Granted, yes there are MANY amazing systems without a dsp/fuge..
And many with one...

 

[psykobowler]

The systems that do not use a fuge usually carbon dose and/or use gfo. The benefit of macroalgae for me is that it saves me from using and buying gfo. The algae does a great job of nutrient export so it doesn't require significant water changes to lower n & p.

 

[Soy]

^ +1. refugiums= less spending and cleaning gfo canister and algse issues. i love my fuge. would never run a tank without one.

 

[Mangodude]

I agree with most everyone on here in that size makes a huge difference!

I've been running my 40g frag tank on a bunch of calurpa that sits under a 150w halide with no skimmer, sock, and no feeding (theres enough pods in there that they eat). Fish are a clownfish and a dottyback too!

if you cant go big dont bother, unless you just think it looks cool

 

[REEF SMAC]

I've used a fuge for a long time. I've always felt it's been a benefit to my system. I like all the crittters that it produces along with the nutrient export. Can't really say I've ever had any negative results from using one.
Mine is not large enough to take care of all my nutrient export needs but I think that it does help.

 

[Dog boy Dave]

I have a fuge. Actually, I have a couple. They are full of stuff. The sand bed is over ten years old. One of the older anemones was given to me in 1995.

ts all under neath this display. Seems to work for me.

 

[hanaumabay]

i also continue to use refugium set up and have great success with it

 

[Ldagger]

its a reason to have another tank- nuf said.

 

[tonytboss]

yea , a cool sandy, darker, green, messy natural looking second tank. Plus somewhere to keep the bad guy crabs and such.

 

[pimp2daizzo]

it's where you hide the new fish/coral until the wife goes to sleep

 

[Jackwkahn]

it's where you hide the new fish/coral until the wife goes to sleep

lol

 

[pimp2daizzo]

lol

i just added one so i can find all the new corals im getting...local shops need to stop putting pictures up i cant help my self