In-sump SIMPLE chaeto refugium. Should I? How to?

[HowardCath]

I was wondering about the potential benefit of an in-sump chaeto refugium. I would be interested in the most simple effort without additional plumbing. My sump has a surface area 10 x 10 inches. I was thinking of using a clamp-on clip light bulb of 5100K as described here: http://melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

Is it reasonable to just suspend a ball of chaeto in something like an 8 x 8 inch open-topped plastic basket that might float on the somewhat variable surface level in my sump? Might something this small actually be of some limited benefit in exporting phosphate in my 125 gal tank with no skimmer and 14 fish?

 

[james3370]

i plan on having one in my refugium & using this DIY Cheato Tumbler thread for a spraybar to keep it rotating so all sides of it are exposed to the light

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1345419

 

[HowardCath]

Wow! More than what I'm thinking of though. Thanks.

 

[poolkeeper1]

If you have an area that you can introduce the chaeto in your sump, and room for it to grow it will be a benefit to your tank. If it grows it is removing nutrients, Phos, nitrate etc. Run the light opposite your tank light for best results. A 65k fluorescent bulb from Lowe's in a clip on shop light works well. It don't have to be rocket science for it to work!!!

 

[NeveSSL]

I think you'd at least be fine to try it, Howard.

Brandon

 

[HowardCath]

Thanks, guys. Anybody coming to Angela's house this weekend with chaeto to sell?

 

[poolkeeper1]

I can bring you some for free!! See you at Angela's

 

[HowardCath]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14431751#post14431751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by poolkeeper1
I can bring you some for free!! See you at Angela's

Thanks!!

 

[TitansFan]

no harm in trying it at all. i don't think you will be able to get the full benefit though with your limited space and total gallon of display size though

 

[HowardCath]

I thought that it might be just a little more than a drop in the bucket kind of effect, but I'll see how it goes. Thanks!

 

[james3370]

have you considered doing a RDSB ?? from what i have read, they are very beneficial as well as being pretty cheap to implement. i plan on adding one to my system

http://www.linomareefs.com/topics/view/715

 

[HowardCath]

Interesting. First, of course, I had to follow your link to find out what a RDSB was! My space under the tank is limited, as are my plumbing skills. I have a sand bed in the tank which is variably 3 to 6 inches deep. Worth learning more about, though!