miracle mud or dud?

[tcunningham]

LFS has suggested using miracle mud as base of refugium on the basis that it is effective and low maintenance. Advice is that it must be 50% replaced every 12 months. Any comments on effectiveness and practicalities?

 

[Avi]

I have seen tanks that have refugiums using miracle mud and they were impressive. I haven't used it myself but there is something to it.

 

[reefscape15]

I used the Kent refugium sand and it works well. I don't think anything will really make a huge difference. You could just as easily use sand and it will become populated with worms and filter feeders eventually

 

[Kenmx10]

Just use sand. And seed it with a cup of live sand. The mud can get messy , and doesnt really contribute to anything. Unless your trying to grow plants that need dirt. The only thing that is a miricle about it is the price. Its a miricle they can get $40 for a can of dirt.

 

[WaterKeeper]

I too am not a "mud" fan but if you want to give it a whirl it won't hurt anything but your wallet.

 

[jer77]

Systems using mud in the refugium do seem to require less maintenance on average. Its hard for me to believe IME that this is entirely because of the mud. I think forgoing the skimmer is an idea that should not be tested especially early on. There are a few types of mud available, some cheaper brands could be just as effective, but I"m not sure. And about replacing the mud every so often, I work on many tanks which have not stuck to this schedule and still are doing well.

 

[Biggum]

I looked into the mud thing when I was ready to fill my refugium. Couldn't really find any great proof of it's benefits that would swing me towards it given the price. I just went with a DSB and called it a day.

 

[FirstContact]

Unfortunately, I bought the mud from an LFS. I was really just jonesing to spend something for my aquarium that wasn't too expensive. I don't plan on using it anymore. So, I guess it was too EXPENSIVE!!! LOL!!!

 

[trbike24]

I use it and I like it. I had algae blooms for the first 9 months but now its cycled and my tank looks very good.

 

[PRDubois]

Buying Mud is like buying swamp land!
Actially Salt Marsh land.

 

[Uncle Salty 05]

Many refugium inhabitants (worms etc.) like smaller grain sizes than plain sand offers. I use 50% Kent bio-sediment and 50% fine sand and have had excellent results

 

[daniel_a_blake]

dud