BigBadBrain
New member
After looking at the thread describing cyano algae and how to combat it, I've begun looking into installing a refugium on our 55 gal tank, which is fast becomming overrun by cyano. However, being new to the hobby, I'm unclear on just how to go about this.
There are numerous mentions of refugiums in sumps, but I don't have a sump, so I am looking at an HOB refugium.
More on the tank: we are still working out the kinks in the tank leading to the point where we feel safe to start building up a poulation of reef animals (no corals or others yet). We wanted to learn the ins and outs of the water quality and other husbandry first. We have a SeaClone skimmer that works very well - it needs to be emptied about every fourth day. We are using a Fluval 304 canister filter with PhosBan and activated carbon. We have a UV in-line sterilizer. We have a good live sand base and about 30 lbs of live rock. Coraline population is good but not outstanding and shows recent growth. Phosphates (Disolved Inorganic - the only one we can test) read less than 5ppm (cannot detect any result in the Nutrifin test). All the other water qualities are good. Ph is constant at 8.2. Bioload is about 12 inches of fish, 20-30 hermits, 30 or so snails. Other than the cyano issues, we have the start of some green hair that concerns me. The tank is generally quite healthy and very stable. We do 10% water changes weekly (to try and syphon the cyano primarily). We are adding vitamins to the water for the fish. We feed once every two to three days with enough to keep the fish feeding about 30 seconds with minimal additional food left in the water.
Should I get a seperate light for my refugium? Is there a specific substrate I should use? In several photos I've looked at, live rock has been present. Is this a good idea? What kind of macroalgae is recommended that helps offset cyano? Should there be any animals (that need to be purchased) that live in the refugium?
Ideally, a step-by-step process for setting up the refugium is what I'd like to find.
Thanks.
Brian
There are numerous mentions of refugiums in sumps, but I don't have a sump, so I am looking at an HOB refugium.
More on the tank: we are still working out the kinks in the tank leading to the point where we feel safe to start building up a poulation of reef animals (no corals or others yet). We wanted to learn the ins and outs of the water quality and other husbandry first. We have a SeaClone skimmer that works very well - it needs to be emptied about every fourth day. We are using a Fluval 304 canister filter with PhosBan and activated carbon. We have a UV in-line sterilizer. We have a good live sand base and about 30 lbs of live rock. Coraline population is good but not outstanding and shows recent growth. Phosphates (Disolved Inorganic - the only one we can test) read less than 5ppm (cannot detect any result in the Nutrifin test). All the other water qualities are good. Ph is constant at 8.2. Bioload is about 12 inches of fish, 20-30 hermits, 30 or so snails. Other than the cyano issues, we have the start of some green hair that concerns me. The tank is generally quite healthy and very stable. We do 10% water changes weekly (to try and syphon the cyano primarily). We are adding vitamins to the water for the fish. We feed once every two to three days with enough to keep the fish feeding about 30 seconds with minimal additional food left in the water.
Should I get a seperate light for my refugium? Is there a specific substrate I should use? In several photos I've looked at, live rock has been present. Is this a good idea? What kind of macroalgae is recommended that helps offset cyano? Should there be any animals (that need to be purchased) that live in the refugium?
Ideally, a step-by-step process for setting up the refugium is what I'd like to find.
Thanks.
Brian
