Fuge substrate and filtration questions

[Scubareefman]

Hello all thanks for taking the time.

I am building my new SPS system and plan to plumb a 40g breeder in as a refuge and have a few questions.

1. I plan on having minimal sand in the DT, a shallow sand bed. Is sand in the fuge a requirement or would a deep course substrate like crushed coral and reef rubble be acceptable.

2. Suggestions and solutions for the proper flow in a fuge. What is considered the optimal flow, turn over...

3. I have a used fluval reef bright LED I was going to repurpose as the primary light. I think its only like 34ish watts but looks sharp and I think it will do the job. Strike anyone as a possible problem?

4. Best breeds of macro algae for a fuge. I'm think cheato, some shaving brushes, Cladophora, Ulva, Hypnea pannosa. Please tell me if any of these are known to be problematic.

5. packing in at least 1000 mixed pods from Reef2go, then a bottle of tisbe's.
need to know what other cleaners need to go in, and those that need to stay out.

as always,
cheers
Tom

 

[CStrickland]

What do you want the fuge to do for your tank?
I think it's a tool like any other part of your tank, so it's easier to design if you are clear on the job you want it to do.

For example, on question 1: if you are running a rdsb for nitrate control you want a deeper layer of sandy sand. If you are trying to establish a pod population for a mandarin then rubble is good but it is even better if it is in little bags so you can move them to clean the detritus up. If you want a bed to plant macro in, some like mud better.

 

[Scubareefman]

What do you want the fuge to do for your tank?
I think it's a tool like any other part of your tank, so it's easier to design if you are clear on the job you want it to do.

For example, on question 1: if you are running a rdsb for nitrate control you want a deeper layer of sandy sand. If you are trying to establish a pod population for a mandarin then rubble is good but it is even better if it is in little bags so you can move them to clean the detritus up. If you want a bed to plant macro in, some like mud better.

Wow, great point. I was a bit to general.
The most important factor I want it to add is water stability. Second would be exporting junk from the water, third a source of snacks for the DT, and forth a place to put bullys I may get as hikers in my DT.

Its going to be viewable across the room from the DT so I would like to have it tidy and interesting looking so I don't want to bag up the rubble (if that makes since) could I use an UGF?
I have used mud in the past. Honestly I had not even thought about it, but this being my first true SPS tank I don't know how well MUD and SPS mix.

I'm going to have to do some research on the mud and get back to you.


Thanks so much for the advice,

Cheers
Tom