Need some advice on a refugium

[kita_katan]

Hi all, I am just getting back into the hobby and I have a few questions. I have a 150 gallon tank with a wet dry filter with bio balls in it right now. I have a huge red alge problem right now and I am thinking that that will help out. I was looking at the ADHI Refugium Model 30 or Model 40. Is there another better option out there? I wanted to try a mud filter but I am not sure. I am really trying to control this alge problem, the tank has been set up for about 5 months now and everything is doing great except for the alge issue that is. A RO/DI unit is on my list first and then the new filter and a new skimmer. There are so many that I am at a loss at where to start.

Thanks guys!

 

[Rustylugnuts]

Both of those refugiums look to be a good fit for your needs. The price however is a bit steep. My suggestion would be to go out and get the largest aquarium that can fit in your stand (or fish room) and go to the local glass shop and get 1/4" thick glass cut to 1/4" less than the inside width of said fish tank for the baffles (I would suggest having the shop sand off the sharp edges). A bit ofGE 1 silicone applied to the seams and allowed to cure for 24 hrs for an adhesive. A 1/2" dowel rod is a handy tool for smoothing the silicone into the seams.
You'll be able to get much more for your money including a larger refugium area and maybe even space for a frag growout area if a 75g would fit

It looks like your well on your way to winning the algae battle.
You may want to include a media reactor or two in your arsenel. Many folks on RC like to run 1 reactor for activated charcoal and one for GFO.

 

[kita_katan]

I would love to be able to DIY but I am not that technical and I am not really understanding how one is put together. Now my local fish store quoted me a price on a 40 gallon breeder tank made into a refugium with miracle mud and using the bio balls and skimmer from my filter for about 250.00 or so. Not sure if thats a good option or not, can you use the miracle mud and grow the culpura (sp) at the same time?

 

[Rustylugnuts]

Thats not a bad price for a 40 ready to go, see what they would quote for 55 or 75 if you have the space. IMHO it would be better to replace the bioballs with LR rubble and maybe run Chaetomorpha rather than calurpa .
Miracle mud or a DSB in conjunction with macroalgae has worked for many a reefer so I'd say go for it.
Check out RC's thread of the month for a ton of info about refugiums.