Please clarify my confusion with addition of refugium

[Miamireefer]

I know we use them to reduce nitrates/phosphates to either a level of 0 ppm or small traceable amount but for instancd I have in my corner overflow an oldscholl standpipe that is slotted along with a cylinder sponge which has a crap load of pods but I am changing things around in the next couple of days of adding my refugium.

My current nitrates are at 15ppm which aren't bad but could be alot better and only remain that way due to bi weekly water changes.

Will the addition of my refugium eliminate my current nitrates or only maintain it once I have them lowered?

I will plan to have chaeto and ulva in the refugium with a 2-3" sand bed to add some extra buffer and maybe add some red gracalia.

thanks for the help folks.


Nick

 

[Rogger Castells]

It is likely that the removal of the sponge alone will reduce the nitrates as this is most likely your source (nitrate factory)
The addition of a refugium will aid with the consumption of dissolve organics and with a safe haven fr a strong pod population, routine macro algae pruning will help with the exportation of organics. in a nutshell a refugium "is a good thing"
Hope this helps

 

[Miamireefer]

Rogger I am in 100% agreement and came to the same conclusion that it's the sponge but I am waiting to move the sponge into the refugium because it is literally full of pods and I simply will give them 2 days to move over into the rocks I will have in the refugium along with the chaeto and then remove the sponge....

I am going to make a durso anyhow because the flushing sound is driving me nuts where my wife thinks it's relaxing (yeah right!).
I just wanted clarification on adding the refugium will actually remove my nitrates..

For the time to help aid I feed every other day and feed my eel every 3 days... They all look plump and healthy.

thanks for the input.

 

[Rogger Castells]

yes, a refuge wil help you remove nitrates

 

[Bullredchaser]

A refugium will also raise ORP levels and help keep a steady PH level at night when CO2 levels rise the plants will readily consume and convert it to oxygen.It will also help prevent old tank syndrome by preventing a rise in metals as plants readily consume them.

 

[Alicate]

This is just to give you an idea not to confuse you more
I personally use one

No - 1218 38.54%
Yes - roughly 10% or less of system volume 546 17.28%
Yes - roughly 20% of system volume 682 21.58%
Yes - roughly 30% of system volume 394 12.47%
Yes - roughly 40% of system volume 160 5.06%
Yes - 50% or more of system volume 160 5.06%

 

[Rogger Castells]

Ricardo, now you got me confused, what is this? a cuban formula

 

[Miamireefer]

Agreed with rogger.. What is that?


Bull--I definitely appreciate the info..I know the benfits of the refugium and just needed that clarification on the nitrates.. Thanks again guys.

Nick

 

[Alicate]

relax people
thats a poll from reef central about refugium

 

[jessp]

its cafe con leche recipe

 

[Rogger Castells]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9170007#post9170007 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rrigau
relax people
thats a poll from reef central about refugium

Interesting numbers, 38% don't use it, I would have thought it was more, I guess they are very popular!