Building a Refugium

[NyteReefer]

Hi, I'm interested in keeping certain species of fish, and it seems that some, if not most, need a refugium to survive properly. I would like to know how to successfully build a refugium on the left side of my DT, because I cannot fit anything under nor ontop of it. Any help would be great. I am also looking into buyin the following items, and please tell me that they are worth having in the refugium.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...&productvariantid=1653&TopCatId=403&c=393 403
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=393+2649&pcatid=2649
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+2190+2593&pcatid=2593

That is for basically getting it started, and here is the rest of it from inland aquatics, would these be good, and useful?

Fauna and Flora Kits
http://www.inlandaquatics.com/prod/prod_refu.html


Also, any information on plumbing, and types of pumps I would need, and what would provide flow into the refugium.

The Refugium will be on the Left Side of my DT. Pretty much what is seen in this picture, but the Refugium is on the left. http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/a/aa041400.htm
(Note it is under the ad)

Thanks, in advance, the Tank is set up just with Two Clowns, Bullet Goby, and a RBTA, with some Fiji Premium LR, curing on the way. It is a 55gal tank, and I will be using a 10gal as my Refugium.


Also, would a powerhead have enough flow for a Refugium, of 10gal tank size? Because I have a Koralia 2 that isn't being used, and was wondering if that would be good?


Oh, and if this is the wrong forum, please move, thank-you.

 

[virginiadiver69]

I like the idea of a "display fuge". I use a 40 breeder next to my display in the same manor.
As far as getting it set up, here are a few money saving ideas;

A) instead of buying all live sand, use dry stuff (caribsea sugar fine oolitic ~4" deep) and seed it with a several cups of live stuff donated by fellow reefers. I like to get it from a few different sources for diversity.
B) Use dry rock instead of live. This way you wont have to cycle the rock. The rubble is really just a refuge for your pods anyway.
C) Speaking of pods...again, hit your local reefers up for some cheato. It'll be full of critters and help keep your nitrates down.

A small power head should be enough for circulation.
I didn't see where you mentioned anything about lighting. I like to use a 6K grow light. I also supplement with a 50/50 PC light just for aesthetics since it's a display fuge.
I've also added some mushrooms, riccordia and a small clean up crew to the mix. I also like to light mine opposite of my display tank. Doing this is supposed to help with pH swings.
Hope this helps
P.S. What types of fish will be relaying on a fuge? Keep in mind it could take several months for a fuge to be self sustaining. Though it will start to control nitrates right away.

 

[NyteReefer]

Um, well, the main fish I was thinking of is a Leopard Wrasse, which I would like to give the proper feeding to, and possibly a Mandarin, even tho I proabbly couldn't sustain it, still looking into options.

I have 1 last question tho, is that Refugium Rubble from LA cured?

 

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12518943#post12518943 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NyteReefer
I have 1 last question tho, is that Refugium Rubble from LA cured?

"Although this Refugium Rubble has been fully cured and cycled, it is imperative to cure the rock again upon receipt, before it is placed in the display aquarium that contains fish, coral, or inverts."
From their web site. They are a good vendor.
That's not a bad price for rubble though. Still...I would check locally first. 10 lbs of rock shouldn't be hard to find from a local reefer.
Where are you located?