I have just set up my first Refugium. It's a 10 gallon display refugium that gravity drains into my main tank. I have a 2 1/2 inch sand bed and about 10 pounds of live rock and one clump of Cheato currently. For lighting I went with the Wave Point 16 watt 6500K clamp on LED. After speaking with owner of my LFS he recommended the I only go with Cheato. He said other Macroalgeas tend to "crash and take everything with it". Can someone clarify this for me? Is he being overly conservative, or this a common problem? What are some of the safer macro's? My primary use for it is nutrient export and pod production. However, since it is prominently displayed I would like it to be beautiful and interesting as well as functional. I don't want to add any animals that would prey on the pods but some interesting critter that would leave the macro's and pods alone would be nice. Any suggestions? If anyone has pictures of their fuges I would love to see them. Thanks in advance.
New Refugium
- Thread starter adam3876
- Start date
FinzAquatics
New member
The only types that are really known for "crashing" are some types of caulerpa.. I am a fan of mixing up the refugium. Keep in mind, all plants/macros are different and each of them will absorb slightly different nutrients.. So in my opinion it is beneficial to keep more than just chaeto in a refugium.
I personally keep macro algae in my seahorse tanks.. I use it as decoration and areas for my seahorses to hunt copepods.. I have over 40-45+ varieties of macro algae, and I have yet to have a "crash". Every once and a while I will see some of my caulerpa species dying off, but it never effects my other macro algae colonies.
I personally keep macro algae in my seahorse tanks.. I use it as decoration and areas for my seahorses to hunt copepods.. I have over 40-45+ varieties of macro algae, and I have yet to have a "crash". Every once and a while I will see some of my caulerpa species dying off, but it never effects my other macro algae colonies.
sealtea116
New member
So what would be best to keep in the refuge other then chaeto
dragonfly1972
New member
I have a display refugium also and this is what I keep...
Chaeto, dragons breath, caulerpa grape, caulerpa prolifera, caulerpa brachypus, blue hypnea, xenia (it's a great nutrient exporter) 6 peppermint (they breed constantly which feeds my fish in my main tank).
I have a huge LTA with 2 maroon clowns (not planned, the LTA was a rescue that loves the tank and grew ridiculously quick and I hate to move her now.
I clean out and sell macro constantly. It's full of pods and worms.
I also keep 2 nassarius and a fighting conch to keep my sand clean and I'm always looking for new macros
Chaeto, dragons breath, caulerpa grape, caulerpa prolifera, caulerpa brachypus, blue hypnea, xenia (it's a great nutrient exporter) 6 peppermint (they breed constantly which feeds my fish in my main tank).
I have a huge LTA with 2 maroon clowns (not planned, the LTA was a rescue that loves the tank and grew ridiculously quick and I hate to move her now.
I clean out and sell macro constantly. It's full of pods and worms.
I also keep 2 nassarius and a fighting conch to keep my sand clean and I'm always looking for new macros
Great info! What size is your Fuge?
dragonfly1972
New member
20 gallons. I wish I would have done a 40 to be honest. My main tank is a 90 and my sump is 20.
There are just too many macros for a 20 gal. I'm running out of room LOL
There are just too many macros for a 20 gal. I'm running out of room LOL
It will be fun to see what I can do with 10gl. I was thinking that a Harlequin shrimp might be a fun little addition. I know they are specialized eaters and shouldn't bother the pods, but is 10gl large enough for one or even a mated pair if there are no other critters to compete with for space?
dragonfly1972
New member
I have one in my 90. I would think that it would come down to whether they have enough to eat more so than tank size. They are beautiful shrimp.
