When to trim refugium plants?

[rogeragrimes]

125-gal tank (running for 6 months), Trigger Systems Ruby 36 sump installed 2 months ago.

I purchased 2-3 different types of refugium plants 2 months ago and put in second of the three chambers, and put constant light on them. They seem to be growing well, potentially doubling or tripling in size since then.

My question is when should I cut and remove some? I read that the plants take up nitrogen and phosphates, which is why we buy and use them, but how do you know when they are making the problem worse instead of better?

 

[Michael Hoaster]

You know they are helping when they grow. If they aren't growing, they aren't sucking up nitrogen and phosphate. How often you export is up to you. Weekly, monthly-whatever works for you. It's not critical. You just want to leave room for more growth.

I'm jealous of your location!

 

[rogeragrimes]

Thanks

 

[rogeragrimes]

I'm jealous of your location!

I live on a great salt water canal, fed by both sides by the ocean. I do my salt water changes right from the canal, right now using filter socks, but converting to 6-micron filters soon.

 

[jraker]

Was just in Key Largo. You are super lucky.