just got an aquafuge

R

Reefer95

New member
i just got an medium CPR aquafuge for my tank. i know its not as big as i should get but my stand will not support a sump/fuge right now. i figure something is better than nothing...

i was wondering what is the best or most common substrate used in the fuge?

what algae is best to help nutrient export?

it came with a via aqua 480 pump. i never heard of it is it any good? should i upgrade? if so what pump?

anything anyone wants to provide in the way of advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated
thanks to all who post:)
Nick
 
i used to use the same type for my tank..i actually loved it...i had a sand substrate...it grew tons of bugs and alot of that grape calerpra type algae...it actually grew so thick so often it was great for export..never had any problems for over a year....just keep cutting it could cause a clog....it also was so thick at times it acted as a nicve filter =)
 
I have one of those...it has been running for over a year...works great.

I would put a layer of coarse live sand (maybe 2" or 3") on the bottom and put some small pieces of live rock in. Add some macro algae and you should be all set.

I can give you some macro algae if you like. Located in Holbrook. PM me if interested.


fyi...mine...I brought several grades of sand back from a trip to Aruba last year. I also brought some small rocks from there. I added Caulerpa I bought locally.


--Dave--


_____________________________________
 
godlyme
thanks for the post

i actually have some of the "grape calerpra type algae" growing in my main tank that i plan to move to the aquafuge :) you added just regular sand? what do you mean by "nicve filter"?

anyone use the kents marine biosediment?
 
reefer, what i ment by nice filter was the fact that the algae got so thick in my aquafuge that it was acting as like a filter pad or turf scrubber. remember back in the day when we had fresh water tanks and had to constantly buy those filter pads for our filters? well i was saying or comparing my algae would be so dense it was like a never ending free filter pad... not only did it suck up the excess nutrients, but it also sort of filtered out the water.. and there was so many bugs also in this "fish safe zone" that any food particles were surely gobbled up quickly... basically i really liked the fuge as u can tell
 
I like caulerpa taxifolia for nutrient export it grows extremely fast. That is the stuff that is currently taking over the red sea b/c is is so prolific. I have it in my aquafuge for 6 months now, and have never seen a trace of nitrate no matter how lazy I get on water changes. Great stuff.
 
I use Kent Marine Bio-Sediment (your second link). I also put some small pieces of LR and Chaeto (spaghetti) macro algae in there. Works well for me - nitrates are zero, also ended up with a huge pod population.
 
I have an Aqua Fuge and i just dont like the fact that near the bottom of my sand bed, there is virtually no waterflow... so i placed a microJet in there to stir up some water...
 
for now the arau fuge will have to do...

i emailed Bill (billsreef) and he is working on a package for me :)


anyone ever heard of the via aqua 480 pump??

thanks to all who posted!!!!!!
 
excess algae growth on walls of aquafuge

excess algae growth on walls of aquafuge

Why do the walls of my aquafuge get so disgusting, but my main tank doesn't?

I have a 5.5 g nano and a 12 inch aquafuge hanging off the back. The 5.5 has LR, LS and a few corals and the aquafuge has LS, a few pieces of LR rubble and some chaeto. Flow through the aquafuge is via the standard pump. Flow through the 5.5 is via a small hang on filter. The aquafuge is lit by a 10k bulb and the 5.5 is lit via a 50/50 bulb. I occasionally clean the front glass of the 5.5.

I have nothing but a bit of corraline on the sides and back of the 5.5, but there is nasty looking brown and green algae on all sides of the aquafuge.

Just curious why all of it is confined to the aquafuge? It may not be worth it if I have to take it off line every 6-8 weeks and thoroghly clean it - or maybe I'll run it with nothing in it or light - just for the added water volume.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
 
I have been told that Chaetomorpha is the best stuff to use in a fuge. There have been reports of caulerpa going sexual and contaminating the tank not sure how true it is but its worth looking into.

Erik
 
jcm1229 - what macro algae do you have in the fuge - the m/a should be exporting nutrients and you really should be getting green and brown algae in there - IMHE.

ebelz - agree, Chaetomorpha (spaghetti algae) is the way to go - safe to use without the worries that come with other m/a (grape, caulerpa, etc) - also very effective - my nitrates went from 40 - 60 ppm to 0 ppm with the fuge.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

V
AQUAVIM 155g Corner 1/4 Cylinder Glass Reef-Ready Aquarium Set, Lifereef Sump, Skimmer, Refugium, Reactors, Mag Pumps, 15g IM Glass ATO container +
Replies
0
Views
122
ViolentA79
V
S
Small Sump Leak - Worth fixing?
Replies
1
Views
73
griss
griss
E
What's Old is New Again
Replies
2
Views
455
Uncle99
Uncle99
sickman
Juwel Lido 200 - really reef tank ready all in one? Really Really?
2
Replies
39
Views
680
Reefing102
Reefing102
S
Help with Overflow Design Issue
Replies
0
Views
99
SFMAquariums
S
Back
Top