Sump Inhabitants
- Thread starter pcurry18
- Start date
MrMikeB
New member
Are you planning to put any type of sand bed in there?
Basically, I would think you would want to put in things that will eat your nitrates, phosphates, detritus, etc. Items that are normally found in reefs, but do not look attractive in the main tank (such as the macro algae listed above) are great candidates. I have been told by others vastly more experienced than I that its a good place to stick a pod factory, live rock for extra bacteria growth, and other unsightly stuff that will 'clean' the water in a more natural way. Given it is typically out of sight, it can look nasty as you need it and provide benefits to the main system.
I do not have an practical experience myself to share with you on this, only what I have been able to pick up along the way and through research - I am still building my refugium.
Basically, I would think you would want to put in things that will eat your nitrates, phosphates, detritus, etc. Items that are normally found in reefs, but do not look attractive in the main tank (such as the macro algae listed above) are great candidates. I have been told by others vastly more experienced than I that its a good place to stick a pod factory, live rock for extra bacteria growth, and other unsightly stuff that will 'clean' the water in a more natural way. Given it is typically out of sight, it can look nasty as you need it and provide benefits to the main system.
I do not have an practical experience myself to share with you on this, only what I have been able to pick up along the way and through research - I am still building my refugium.
i have a live sand bed in there that is appx 1-2 inches deep that spans the whole length of the sump. i think im gonna pick up some goodies at the LFS tomorrow. I heard Mangrove was good but from what i understand the lighting requirements are insane for those buggers. i think im gonna try calupra and chaeto. thanks for the inputs and any that follow.
I run a micron bag and a deep sand bed. i also have calupra and 2 other forms of macro algae. The rock work is far from complete though. I run my lights extremly long and follow my rule of keeping the sump light on when the main tank lights are off. I know this is a bunch of light, but these are low grade lights.
Red Grape (CoralReef) On Madison..
I had really bad green hair algie and could not get it under control.Tore tank down and about ready to give up when I decided to try a refugium.I installed my refugium Nov. 1 2006(early xmas) put in 20lbs live sand,about 25lbs LR, RedGrape Macro and today I have (1 ) half inch peice of green hair.This stuff had covered over 90 percent of my LR and corals. I also use the Home Depoit light which cost about 14.00 dollars bulb and clip socket.
Ok a little long winded, bottom line macro algie has made this hobby fun again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave
I had really bad green hair algie and could not get it under control.Tore tank down and about ready to give up when I decided to try a refugium.I installed my refugium Nov. 1 2006(early xmas) put in 20lbs live sand,about 25lbs LR, RedGrape Macro and today I have (1 ) half inch peice of green hair.This stuff had covered over 90 percent of my LR and corals. I also use the Home Depoit light which cost about 14.00 dollars bulb and clip socket.
Ok a little long winded, bottom line macro algie has made this hobby fun again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave
