Refugium question??

[jesterns2]

My tank is already set up,runiing and has two fish. When I get my sump built I want LR and LS in the refugium, now I realize I can put the sand in and not turn the flow on until the cloudyness settles down but as far as the sand being new will that affect my system at all? I may get some LR from the LFS but it will be totally cured.

 

[PRDubois]

New sand is OK
New LR could cause small cycle

 

[stricknine]

I would advise against spending a ton on LS for the sump. Throw in any substrate, even hardware store playsand (dsb imo), base rock, etc.

As you have an established tank, your DT has enough beneficial BIO to support your bio load, your not starting the sump for extra bio (immediately) so throw in cheap stuff and seed it. You still get the refuge with chaeto and a fallow sump. Dont waste on adding expensive bio.

HTH

 

[walkthedog]

I agree with Stricknine. Save the money. Your tank will seed the sand and dry rock.

 

[cardiffgiant]

FWIW, I prefer the bare bottom refugium. The sand in my old refugium trapped a lot of detritus. I keep a little rubble rock in a high flow area for pods, but that's about it.

 

[pimpinitup6969]

def good advice above and will save you some cash to spend on more important stuff