Bigger Sump + Live Rock does that equal an adequate fuge ?

[brownsugar]

I currently have a 150 gallon with mini reef setup in my sump which is relatively small and cramped glass unit approx 60 liters.

My bioballs need to go i understand but im not entirely sure since i have a decent bioload.

My plan is to upgrade my sump to approx 200 liters by the use of one of those large plastic storage bins found at hardware stores.

I am also in need of a fuge?

My question is can i transfer all my equipment into that storage bin and add live rock all together to form a fuge without separating chambers baffles etc or for a fuge to function do i need to have a separate chamber sectioned off?

A more simpler question - Lots of Live rock in a big sump does that equal an adequate fuge?

 

[virginiadiver69]

My general understanding of a refuge is either a partitioned aria in the sump or a separate tank that has the sole purpose of taking excess nutrients out of the water. Macro algaes are best for this. There are a few that are popular, Cheato being the most popular. A simple Home Depot or Lowe's style grow light would finish it.
As far as the bio balls go... it would be a good idea to replace them slowly with live rock, A much better filter.
No lots of live rock in a sump does not equal a refuge.
I hope this helps.

 

[rustybucket145]

throw some chaeto in the mix and you have yourself a fuge.

 

[brownsugar]

My main goal for the fuge is to to take out excess nutrients but also propagate pods to supplement my display (hoping to keep a mandarin).

I have been told that the most pods would not survive the trip back up via the return pump to the main is this true ?

 

[brownsugar]

Also what is better - a refugium above tank or refugium below?

Benefits of both?

 

[brownsugar]

And should there be a slower flow than the main sump ?

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

lets define refugium: a safe place

the original concept of a refugium was to house species that were not compatable with the species in the DT. this could be food(pods) or a nasty player.

people figured out they could toss some macros into the fuge for nutrient export and mor epods playgrounds.

somehow the cart is now leading the horse

people are building in fuges like they need them like a skimmer or something. You don't NEED one. You may want one if you have a mandarin or wish to use macros as nutrient export.

Why do you want to put LR in your sump? do you even know?
(I don't really care, the point is it helps you in the long term plans to know why you are doing things) Wouldn't you rather have your LR near the point of nitrate production in the main display?
rather than acting like a pure nitrate factory in your sump?

Never thought about it? should you? ?





the advantages to a sump are many and well documented, but don't automatically assume that sump=fuge either

 

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9381609#post9381609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Frick-n-Frags

people are building in fuges like they need them like a skimmer or something. You don't NEED one. You may want one if you have a mandarin or wish to use macros as nutrient export.

You don't NEED a skimmer either.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9381609#post9381609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Frick-n-Frags
Why do you want to put LR in your sump? do you even know?
(I don't really care, the point is it helps you in the long term plans to know why you are doing things) Wouldn't you rather have your LR near the point of nitrate production in the main display?
rather than acting like a pure nitrate factory in your sump?

Never thought about it? should you? ?

the advantages to a sump are many and well documented, but don't automatically assume that sump=fuge either

The fact that the question was asked should tip you off that he/she was THINKING about it.

 

[brownsugar]

I know what a refugiums is. Was just asking if an un-baffled un-separated system was an adequate refuge for pods.

I intent to keep a mandarin that is my main reason for a refugium since i have very busy reef any mandarin would be competing to find food in my tank.

At the same time i want to increase the volume of my entire system with the upgrade.

Why i want to keep live rock in my sump ? To introduce a pod population in my sump/refugium. Maybe i should call it rubble but its still live rock isn't it. Also read that apparently pods aren't usually free swimming and prefer to live on live rock.

Besides my LFS display has live rock in the sump.

I'm looking for a cheaper solution & also don't have the time for a massive DIY acrylic project.

Was just running it by everyone. Figured if i could kill two birds with one stone would rather do it otherwise i would wait.

Didn't expect to get flack for thinking i needed a refugium. Like i don't wanna know about the history of what other people are doing and i think i would know if needed one, was told so before i attempt to keep a mandarin (which was mentioned above) in another post.

And i do know the difference between a sump and refugium - please dont reply if your going to patronize people and have an agenda on people having fuges - carts leading horses etc :s.

Like just because i don't have 3000 posts don't assume i don't know anything.

My questions were all valid and i asked genuinely about plumbing etc.

Anyone else sheesh ?

Thanks virginiadiver69

 

[virginiadiver69]

QUOTE]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9380119#post9380119 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brownsugar

I have been told that the most pods would not survive the trip back up via the return pump to the main is this true ? [/QUOTE]

I had the same worry and was told it would be okay by a trusted LFS. For other reasons I set my fuge up as a separate tank that sits next to and above my main tank. So now it just gravity feeds into the main

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9380715#post9380715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brownsugar
Also what is better - a refugium above tank or refugium below?

Benefits of both?

I set mine up outside and above because of space constraints in my stand. Because of this it will end up being a display/planted(with several macros)/refuge. This is where I will have my cheato, mandarins and seahorses. This may rattle some purists but who cares.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9381243#post9381243 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brownsugar
And should there be a slower flow than the main sump ?

My LFS suggests about 200-500 gph through the fuge. I may end up putting a SMALL power head in there just to keep things stirred up because I will have live stock in there as well.

 

[bryon0508]

i have seen multiple tanks set up with a 60 gal plastic tub that you get from lowes or home depot..

and each tank is just as good as some of the tank of the month tanks.

it is an easy and extreamly cheap way of making a refuge and that shouldn't be a problem.... unless you have an eel my uncle's snow flake was crwaling across the floore one morning and freeked me out before he made a lid for it