Cryptic Fuge vs. Macro Fuge

[kwgozy]

Just wanting to get everyones opinion on which they use and why. Are you using it for a food source or a mean of nutriet export, or both. Or any opinions on these. I'm getting ready to set up the tank, and leaning towards the cryptic. Any info would be great. Thanks

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

I use it as a means of food, but I also have an algal scrubber in mine. So, both I guess.

 

[Tunguska]

I use mine (cryptic) for filtration. I just have small LR pieces in a sump, basically. I would grow cheato if I could fit a light under my stand.

 

[HippieSmell]

I have a DSB, rubble pile, and chaeto in mine. So both for me too.

 

[bruffin]

Use both. Having the cryptic helps filter out the water. The macro makes a good neutrient exporter and at night, when the PH typically drops, having the lights on in the fuge will keep it stable. Especially if you have macros growing in your main display - if not, keep the refuge lights on 24/7 - don't use Caulerpa.

A DSB with crptos and some chaeto will make for a really good refugium.

 

[ruiny]

Can a cryptic fuge help with filteration via live rock and sand as well as produce a food source, or do you need a light for the food animals?

 

[MarkD40]

Sorry, but what is a cryptic refugium?

 

[Agu]

It's an unlit refugium that is intentionally dark to encourage the growth of sponges and tunicates as natural filtration.


My sump has thick chaeto that blocks light from the rock rubble beneath it so I could say I have both.

 

[Shoestring Reefer]

I have a 2-stage fuge. The first is chaeto, the second is LR with lots of sponges. The sponge section gets some light, I have some hitch hiker zoanthids in there that have stayed alive and colored up a bit.