Hello to you all. first of all i should say that i am a new SW keeper as well as a newbie to this forum. I currently have a 38G FOWLER (would like to slowly add a few corals and eventually upgrade to a 75G). I have bent Ron's ear more than once at Jo-Mars and now I would like to bend some of yours. My current delima (sp?) is whether to upgrade to a wet/dry sump or go ahead and do a refugium? I am currently using a hang on with a CSS 65 skimmer. Also, how big should it be? Should I or can I go ahead and make it large enough to accomidate a 75 if that is the ultimate plan????? Thanks ahead of time for the input.
wet/dry or refugium? and what size?
- Thread starter rnhrtfan
- Start date
Here's my recommendation - go ahead and buy your 75g tank and move everything into that tank (Get a reef-ready too). Then make your 38g tank a sump/refugium. Bigger tanks are easier to take care of, although a little more expensive. You will need to upgrade your skimmer soon, but the CSS65 will be adequate for a while if it is FOWLR. Reef tanks require better water quality. I believe in the "bigger is better" scenario. Get a CSS220 for a 75g tank. I, too, am trying to configure a 75g long as a sump/refugium. Read here on reefcentral in the DIY forums. Definately go with the refugium versus the wet/dry.
Rod Cobble
New member
ya, dont spend money on a sump for the 38. Use the 38 for a refugium. Forget wet/dry. If you lose power all bacteria die on the bioballs. better to use deep sand bed or Jaubert plenum system for nitrification, along with your live rock.
fishmon
New member
Not a big fan of plenums, they take up too much valuable real estate in the tank IMO, and I just don't like them, not putting your idea/method down Rod, but unless they are very properly set up they won't function properly, and they hold too much waste in the tank and they are just ugly. I think refugiums are the "in thing" now as they do what they are supposed to but the old tried and true wet/dry works fine too, the chances of a power outage in most areas isn't really a factor and even if you loose the bacteria from the balls, you have more than enough on your sand and rock to take up the slack. Keep in mind that bacteria multiplies at a fanaminol (sp.) rate. Just read lots and ask many questions on what works for each person. Most of all look at their tanks and if you like the way their tank looks, model that.
