raymond3457
New member
I just added about 20lbs of live sand to my fuge. It is about 4 or 5 inches deep. Is this to much? When I am ready for tank cleaners and such do I add any thing to the fuge??? Something to stir the sand???
Refugium questions
- Thread starter raymond3457
- Start date
neuroslicer
Old School Reefer
3 inches should be more than enough. You want it deep so that the lowest level of substrate becomes oxygen deprived, supporting only the growth of anaerobic bacteria which convert nitrates to nitrogen gas. When you see little bubbles/gas pockets forming in your substrate, those are nitrogen bubbles, and your anaerobic bacteria are doing the job. Aerobic bacteria in the upper layers of your substrate convert ammonia to nitrites, and nitrates to nitrates.
Do not stir the sand. That would only supply oxygen to the bottom layer, killing the anerobic bacteria and eliminating the substrate's ability to remove nitrates from your system.
You might also add macroalgae (Chaetomorpha is my preferred choice), which will absorb nitrates from the water (phosphates too) as nutrients for growth. When the algae gets overgrown, you just toss some of it away or pass it on to a needy club member who is setting up a refugium.
By the way, I have plenty of free Chaetomorpha.
Jay
Do not stir the sand. That would only supply oxygen to the bottom layer, killing the anerobic bacteria and eliminating the substrate's ability to remove nitrates from your system.
You might also add macroalgae (Chaetomorpha is my preferred choice), which will absorb nitrates from the water (phosphates too) as nutrients for growth. When the algae gets overgrown, you just toss some of it away or pass it on to a needy club member who is setting up a refugium.
By the way, I have plenty of free Chaetomorpha.
Jay
Siffy
New member
Re: Refugium questions
No, as Jay said, at least 3. And I'll add, no more than 8-10 from what I've read on DSBs (Deep Sand Beds). So with 4-5 you're fine.
You may even want to add another 20lbs or so in 3 months if you're having nitrate problems that your macroalgae isn't handling.
No, as Jay said, at least 3. And I'll add, no more than 8-10 from what I've read on DSBs (Deep Sand Beds). So with 4-5 you're fine.
You may even want to add another 20lbs or so in 3 months if you're having nitrate problems that your macroalgae isn't handling.
raymond3457
New member
Thanks Guys!!!!! And yes nueroslicer I would love to get some Chaetomorpha from you! How much is it? We could work out a way to meet up. Or would you just send it? But, yes I would like to get some.
neuroslicer
Old School Reefer
Chaeto
Chaeto
You can come by today after noon any time and I can give you some chaeto. Here's a map:
www.rhodes.edu/biology/blundon/jabmap.jpg
"Kermit's West: Where the Chaeto and Kenya Tree Coral are always free"
Jay
Chaeto
You can come by today after noon any time and I can give you some chaeto. Here's a map:
www.rhodes.edu/biology/blundon/jabmap.jpg
"Kermit's West: Where the Chaeto and Kenya Tree Coral are always free"
Jay
raymond3457
New member
Hey Jay, just wanted to say thanks again for the Chaeto!! My youngest son and I were talking about your tanks all afternoon!!! Awsome!!! Thanks again for the hospitality and all the help! And tell Angel we said hi!
