opinions on fuge sand

[jakesgvr4]

Who uses what? Anyone use the mineral mud stuff? Regular substrate? Does it really matter that much? Getting ready to get mine up and running, looking for the better plan. Thanks

 

[Deuce67]

Im gonna tag along with this. I think Im gonna install a remote DSB to help with nitrate reduction on my new setup. Zeo is just not cost efficient for me anymore.

 

[murfman]

I use the same sand as my display tank, just a deeper depth. Don't know too much about miracle mud but I think Todd, at Neptunes, has one tank that is nothing but MM in it.

 

[LarryW]

I am going to put a remote DSB in my Fuge using Ocean Direct from Caribsea. Jim @ SS is using a mixture in his fuge under the tank with the solaris. I don't remember what he is using, but it's a mixture of three different things.

 

[Huhhhhh]

I'm using a layer of sand with 10# of Macro Rock rubble on top in half of the fuge. Plan on putting algee in the other half.

 

[Deuce67]

I talked to Scott and he recommended to use fine or oolitic sand for a remote dsb. Thats what Ill use when it come time.

 

[Thurge]

WHen I had the remote DSB I had a 50/50 mix of Eco Systems Miracle Mud and Kents Oolitic sand. Miracle Mud is EXPENCIVE, and they recommend you replace 50% every two years. IMO there are alternitives that are more cost effective.

I have been thinking about putting 4" in my fuge atain.

 

[thejrc]

I've got a mixture of the same aragamax I use in my display, some of the larger black aragonite substrate (caribsea?) and a bunch of LR rubble. nice and thick with the rubble on top. I do have a chunk of LR in there that I use to sorta position my macro when I trim it down so it doesnt get out of hand and float off. The caulerpa adheres to this and does pretty good.

 

[fuzzyt]

Here is an interesting concept, a duplexium refuge. At least it has some different ideas in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUqcenm_yms

Tim B

 

[murfman]

I would have to dissagree with the statement he made that Cheato needs a lot of flow. From all the research that I have done on macro algeas, Cheato likes a gentle, tumbling flow that that all sides of it are exposed to the light.

 

[ReefJerk]

I 2nd that, Murf. I don't have much flow at all through my fuge (1700 gph@ ~4ft of head loss and about 8 90 degree elbows). And, the sump is almost 5 feet long, 3 of that is fuge. My chaeto doesn't move at all. No tumbling, rolling, or anything. You'd think it was just sitting in still water at a glance. And, I grow about a gallon size ziploc bag twice a month.

By the way, I use southdown sand in my fuge. Not for nitrate reduction, but for fauna habitat. If you have a good load of macro algaes, they should handle the nitrates fine. My nitrates are undetectable, of course my phosphates are outrageous. I blame that on the 4 daily feedings so it's expected.

 

[thejrc]

hows that red kelp you got in there Cliff? I was thinking of tossing a chunk in my display to get some nice plant life and color going

 

[ReefJerk]

It grows like crazy, too. It has a nice deep red color under good lights. Mine has doubled in size in a little over a month growing in the fuge

 

[thejrc]

awesome,

I might give it a shot, growing like crazy might be a problem though. Not sure if I want to spend my time clipping plants.