Macroalgae in Refugium

[BRAVE7012]

Hi,
I need some help on the question:
Is a sandbed a must for a refugium with macroalgae ?

 

[kmk2307]

Hey BRAVE7012,

I don't think it is. I have a 20 gallon (long type) 'fuge with a layer of LR rubble at the bottom and no sand. I grow Chaetomorpah, a few types of Caulerpa, and a few other misc. algae. I have lots of 'pods and whatnot crawling around down there and IMO my tank is doing well.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[redFishblue]

For growing macro, it isn't. But I heard that various critters and worms burrow in the sand and that is where their larva grow and are expelled into the water.

 

[BRAVE7012]

Hi Kevin,
Without the DSB, does the whole refugium still work well in nutrient export as well as the general reduction of nitrates? How thick is your layer of LR rubble ?

 

[kmk2307]

Here's a picture of my refugium. My nitrates are always nearly zero and never greater than 5. I have no detectable phosphates which was a bit of a problem when the tank was young. This picture was taken right after my 'fuge was set up. The chaetomorpha and caulerpa grow very fast now. FWIW I do have a few algae in my display tank including penicillus, halimeda, and a few types of Caulerpa.

www.ilstu.edu/~kmkocot/fuge.jpg

Kevin