refugium setup?

[rolinjs]

I have an extra 60 gal tank that I am going to turn into a refugium. I am going to definitely put in cheato, but I am wondering what other algaes or coral I should put in there.

One question I have is Can xenia handle 18 hours of light per day and, do I really have the lights on for 18 hours for cheato. My lighting will probably be vho, but I havn't picked out a wattage.

 

[gsxunv04]

I would recommend using strickly chaeto, no caluerpa. Also I would get a few 5100k/5500k flood bulbs as opposed to vhos, cheaper($$ wise) and better for growing macro.

 

[rolinjs]

My main purpose is nutrient controll, so I agree with going with cheato, but I was thinking of splitting the tank, half cheato and the other half xenia or any other coral that grows fast and can be harvested. Mabey that is not optimal though, but the refugium is going to be visable right next the the main display.

 

[ihavtats29]

xenia will help lower your nitrates from what i have heard , but no promises, the xenia in my tank love the light never had an over exposure problem with them

 

[gsxunv04]

if you can harvest coral, trade it to the lfs for credit, nothing wrong with the tank paying for some of its self. Go for it, just dont use caulerpa...chaeto only, and xenia/colt/gsp's. Post some pics once up & running

 

[rolinjs]

I gues I will have to split the lighting up on the refugium. 5500 k for the cheato, then 10-12 K for the coral side, might look funny though.