Refugium question

[keri2000]

Hey guys:

I am going to add a HOB skimmer/refugium to my nano in the next couple of weeks. (Waiting on rax return $$) How would you guys suggest I cure the LR rubble for the refug? I definitely don't want another cycle, even if it is small. All my levels have been at 0 for a few weeks now. Should I buy a small 1 or 2 gallon tank and small powerhead to cycle the LR rubble before I add it to the refugium? I am going to have to remove the stock filter also, since it is a crappy design and I will have no choice.

I need to post pictures really soon. I bought 2 teeny clown gobies, one yellow and one green. They are the coolest and LOVE bloodworms and shrimp. They hang out together in my Zoa patches. I also got a bubble coral that is amazing.

Ok, pictures soon.

 

[calvin415]

Throw a spare PH in a 5 gallon bucket with the LR and cover it for about 4 weeks...

 

[racer69]

Yea, what Eric said. You will want to do a couple of water changes during this process to help the cycle along.

 

[keri2000]

Sweet, will do!

Do you know if they sell the rubble at any of the LFSs around here?

 

[calvin415]

Just depends on what they have in stock, you could always just buy a normal sized piece of LR and take a hammer and screw driver to it...

 

[ReefJerk]

You could always ask a few folks on the forum for a handful of rubble from our fuges. I would be willing to do that. That way you don't have to wait for it to cure and the microfauna already exists. Just a suggestion. Since I suggested it, I'd be willing to offer the first handful

 

[Darknes]

As Eric said, you can buy a larger piece of cured rock from an LFS, break it up into small pieces, and rinse it in fresh saltwater. Then you shouldn't have to worry about curing it.

 

[murfman]

Kerry, what all are you going to stock in your microfuge?

 

[keri2000]

I plan on putting some chaeto in there as well as the LR rubble. I am going to buy the coralife mini light to light it.

Do you have any other suggestions? Remember it will be small since my tank is only 12 gallons. I think the dimensions are 13"x13"x4". I also want to try and fit my heater in there so I can get it out of the main display.

I appreciate the offer ReefJerk. That would really be cool of you. I'll let you know when I get the refug. I'm waiting on the auto-deposit for my tax return.

 

[prplfirefish]

Kari
Do you have a heater for the nano? Mine is only about 6 inches long-fits in the back sump well--not seen in main tank at all.
I have some chaeto in the back also.
Trac

 

[keri2000]

Yeah, the heater that came with my tank is a stealth something....It isn't the smallest so hopefully it will fit. If not I'll just get another one. Do you light your refugium?