refugium/sump combo

[daveverdo]

I have a 65g sump in my basement. All I have in there is some LR, a filter sock, a skimmer, and the return pump. There are NO partitions. I have thrown in some chaeto a few time and left a small fluorescent on but the macro never really grows. I tried cycling the light and leaving it on all the time, neither has been successful.

Any suggestions on lighting or anything that can get this combo working more efficiently?

Dave

 

[SkiFletch]

More light, or more importantly, more plant-grow lights. Normal housel lights don't put out squat for photosynthetic radiation. You can do OK with the 6500K rated spot-lights from lowes/home depot, but if you really want fast growth, get something from a hydroponics store, or a new LED fixture with all cool white diodes

 

[Sophie10]

Dave,
I get crazy chaetomorpha growth in my 20g sump with a single compact fluorescent spot from HEP. I have it on opposite the tank lighting. Every two weeks I pull out handfuls. In my limited experience, I'm finding it not so much the light intensity, but water movement as well. I think partitions help with that, causing the water to spill over and churn a little. More gas exchange and such things. You have a big sump, and might require a little more lighting, but I wouldn't go too crazy. Mine took a few weeks to get going, I actually backed the lighting off a little and it seemed to thrive then! Good luck!
David

 

[skidoctor]

I hve 29gsetup the ame way. For months me cheato did not grow. I was using a regular flourescent tank light. I switched to 3 5100k compact flourescents and added an hob for water movement. I wouldnt say it grows crazy now, but there is a significant difference.

Question- should I add a powerhead, or is that too much movement?