Topic of the Week August 14 - Refugiums

[billyr98]

Here is this weeks topic! Refugiums!

I have no time tonight for a write up. But please start it up!

[Woodstock]

I light my refugium 24/7 with this bulb, it is barebottom and has only a few rocks, tons of pods, and LOTS of green chaetomorpha and other red macro algae.

What is the photoperiod of your refug? What bulb do you use?

[Gina]

While I used to keep the light on 24/7. I have started turning it off around 9 p.m. I started getting some gross looking brown algae on the sides of the glass and turning the lights off at night for the past week has gotten rid of it.

The light that we use is here...Light
We bought both bulbs but, decided to use the one of the right.

[Woodstock]

I got my bulb from Melevs site too! Just scroll down to the bottom and there will be two bulbs... I got the 19watt.

Gina, is your refugium barebottom?

I've heard that some people like to keep their main tank BB while they have a DSB in their remote refugium...

[blue_eyes53813]

My refugium is a hang on refugium. Lighting is on 24/7 , I have a little rubble rock /sand and macro algae... The pod population is exploding inside it.. All fish go to the outlet where the bugs come into the tank and waite for pods... I call it there frig.

I think a refugium for a any tank is an excellent way to get the pod population going to feed mandarins( alot of people favorite fish).. My anthias are big and healthy because of all the pods..It is also good to grow macro algae... I would never run a tank without one.

[Rougiem]

Hey Woody...I was not able to see the link you put up...Is this the light you have? I have the same one as this one for my 55.

http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

I plan on having sand in mine and having it lighted opposite my halides~ Any thoughts on this?

Cheers!

[Woodstock]

Rougiem.. on the link you posted, scroll down to the very bottom; there you will see two types of bulbs, I have the 19watt. My chaeto and 'red eared bunny algae' love it and grow quickly!

[pmac90]

slowly making my way to the fuge - bioballs are gone! I just have to figure out the way i want to do it. I think i'll add an L-pipe in the left sump for slightly deeper water and move the skimmer to the right side sump. change my top to a sock style drain. Have the cheato and light in the left sump and return pump behind the skimmer. booo ya!

[boozeman]

Question...I have been reading many recent articles/discussions/opinions on whether keeping a sump connected refugium is a good idea for pod production...the reason given is that the various micro-fauna is destroyed as it passes thru the pumps impeller on it's way to the tank.
conversely, setting up a refugium above the level of the main tank, where water is then pumped up and the refugiums output cascades into the aquarium would be the better choice.
I personally would think that the pods would be too small to be 'diced' by the spinning shaft...Can someone offer proof otherwise?
TIA

[pmac90]

Them little suckers can get everywhere. i get pods in my sump now (with no rock or cheato) from the tank down... and get this, i have a sponge in my overflow!
You do bring up a good point though Booze. I would be more cautious of how many make it into my skimmer!

[cheeks69]

Question...I have been reading many recent articles/discussions/opinions on whether keeping a sump connected refugium is a good idea for pod production...the reason given is that the various micro-fauna is destroyed as it passes thru the pumps impeller on it's way to the tank.

That's probably true but IMHO it won't matter the fish will eat them wether dead or alive. I had a Yellow watchman goby that I saved from brutal attack and put him in my sump and he ended up in the display, so I'm sure some pods can also make it safely to the display. I don't really have a refugium although I do have a section in my sump with a DSB and LR but no macro-algae. I also use a filter sock 24/7 so no buildup of detritus.

[MarbleShark]

Ok Woodie.. I have a question.. I am using your method of Refugium and I had a problem of the algae getting into my pump and clogging it up.. so I put the spongy filter that came with my pump on it and have not had problems with it getting clogged.. my question is this..

• Are the pods small enough to filter through the black sponge filter that came with my pump?
  
• Should I regularly be transferring some of the water from my Refugium to my tank via Turkey Baster to transfer the pods that way?

I hope you or anyone can help me with these questions.

[Gina]

Originally Posted by Woodstock

Gina, is your refugium barebottom?

No, we have 5lbs of LS that was purchased out of the tanks at PacificEast Aquaculture along with 5 lbs of LR Rubble.

[Woodstock]

Originally Posted by boozeman

I personally would think that the pods would be too small to be 'diced' by the spinning shaft...Can someone offer proof otherwise?
TIA

I have proof that they live through it!!! Just come look at my phosban reactor that has dozens of tiny shrimp-like pods swimming around in it! How they got past the pump, filter sponge, 3" of phosban media and 1/2" of media swirling like a hurricane... they're still alive and kicking!

[Witfull]

ive seen lettuce nudis go through a powerhead and shrug it off like thanks for the roller coaster ride~