New To Fuges - What Should I Do... (Large System)

[offshored]

Hey guys, not really new to the hobby... but new to Fuges...

I'm setting up a 470 gallon display and 180 gallon sump/fuge.

I have about 500 lbs of Macro Rocks which has been acid washed and sitting in a huge system that grow macro algae since October.

My question is, what should I do with my sump / fuge?

It has 5 chambers and I thought I'd set it up like this.

1. Drains
2. Skimmer
3. Fuge 1
4. Fuge 2 (Maybe to put fish in after QT and before DT)
5. Returns

What type of algae should I put in the large 3rd chamber and what in the 4th smaller chamber?

Was thinking Chaeto to help with nitrates. What else? Can I mix algaes? How strong does the lighting need to be (Have some non-reef strength LEDs sitting around)? How long do I need to wait after I add my rock and water in before introducing algae?

Should I use any substrate? Fine aragonite? Mud? Bare bottom?

Also which chambers should I add extra live rock too?

Will also be swapping out my two Quiet One 6000 Pros for two stronger DC pumps this weekend, for more flow and quieter operation. Also will be putting in a small 6015 Tunze powerhead in the large 3rd chamber to help with turbulence.

Thanks so much guys

<img src="http://s22.postimg.org/cytvbccu9/before_190_sump_full.jpg"/>

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KnHeAo-CXzg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[oscarinw]

Your proposed layout sounds good with one exception. Maybe the '2nd fuge' is the correct space for your dosing, reactor hookups and heaters. As for the type of algae, chateo seems to be a popular choice. I'd go with that.

 

[dppitone]

IMO, there isn't enough water volume/capacity apart from the DT.

I'd make the 180g the dedicated sump or the fuge.

If you have room (is this in the basement?) I'd bring in another tank or tub. At least a 60 gallon long stock tank if it's to be the fuge, if not a 100 gallon or a 200 gallon for either a fuge or sump.

IMO the sump and fuges, etc., should be at minimum 1/2 of the volume of the DT, if not equal to it. More so for a large system.

Other folks' opinions may differ, but that's my $.02.

 

[dppitone]

Chaeto is a really good choice if you don't have algae eaters. It's very productive. But the excess growth is thrown away. If you have tangs or the like, it's better off with a Caulerpa, like Prolifera for eg. - you can feed the grow out back to the fish.

 

[Dozer1one]

IMO, there isn't enough water volume/capacity apart from the DT.

I'd make the 180g the dedicated sump or the fuge.

If you have room (is this in the basement?) I'd bring in another tank or tub. At least a 60 gallon long stock tank if it's to be the fuge, if not a 100 gallon or a 200 gallon for either a fuge or sump.

IMO the sump and fuges, etc., should be at minimum 1/2 of the volume of the DT, if not equal to it. More so for a large system.

Other folks' opinions may differ, but that's my $.02.

He has a point, although I would like to add that, seeing how you already have it set up in the stand with limited amounts of space you can certainly utilize that area in chamber 3 I think it was for the fuge just make sure you have a filter pad of sorts to prevent your macro from reaching the direct tank. IMO fuges are best kept to seperate tanks like a 60/70 gal as before mentioned but nothing is impossible and I'm sure your setup will look fantastic when complete

 

[Dozer1one]

Sorry forgot the other part...., mangroves and chaeto also make a great addition to fuge area due to their ability to use up nitrates.you can run a cheap Home Depot metal clip on light with a 60 watt cfl bulb over the fuge or a $ 400 led lol they'll both work just fine the choice is yours

 

[offshored]

Thanks guys

I know two tanks would be better for a fuge and sump. But I'm really limited with the space I have.

Sounds like Caulerpa might be a better choice, since I can feed it to the tangs.

What are your thoughts about substrate? Bare bottom, Sand, Mud, etc...

Also which chambers should I add extra live rock into?

 

[klwheat]

i would add a bunch of that rock to the drain section if it were mine.

 

[offshored]

i would add a bunch of that rock to the drain section if it were mine.

Would need to be a little larger than rubble size, not much room to get rock in there