Hey everyone I had a few questions about setting up my refugium. Someone did tell me I set it up fine. I just wana double check. I have a aqua clear 70 with a fuge mod. So I have about 1-2 inches of live sand a few small pieces of live rock couple handfuls of chaeto and a bigger piece on top. I have a light also with those energy efficient spiral bulbs. That ran all day and night. My question is. Is that right? Should I add a different algea? About how long till it grows pods for a scooter Blenny? And should I leave light on 24/7 for the first few days then leave light on just in day and turn off at night. Any advice would b great thanks.
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Questions on setting up a refugium
- Thread starter Nawt2tawl
- Start date
I think you want to set the timing of the lights so they are on when your display is off and vice versa........
RiverRat
Non-member
Hi......I am by no means an expert, but I hope I can help.
The aquaclear 70 with a fuge mod is a little small and may have too high of a water flow to grow a good pod population (just my opinion).
I have used the same type of bulb on my refugium with success in growing Chaeto.
I also use the same two inch sand bed in my refugium, I'm not a big fan of the deep sand bed (I think it provides room for problems).
However, I did have a scooter blenny for a few years with a very small pod population (unfortunately a heater disaster took it too soon). My scooter ate vitamin enriched mysis shrimp (a good amount). I have heard of others in this hobby who have also had their scooter eat mysis and cyclopeze, but I have also heard many stories of starvation. I guess it depends on the personality of the fish.
Best of luck.
The aquaclear 70 with a fuge mod is a little small and may have too high of a water flow to grow a good pod population (just my opinion).
I have used the same type of bulb on my refugium with success in growing Chaeto.
I also use the same two inch sand bed in my refugium, I'm not a big fan of the deep sand bed (I think it provides room for problems).
However, I did have a scooter blenny for a few years with a very small pod population (unfortunately a heater disaster took it too soon). My scooter ate vitamin enriched mysis shrimp (a good amount). I have heard of others in this hobby who have also had their scooter eat mysis and cyclopeze, but I have also heard many stories of starvation. I guess it depends on the personality of the fish.
Best of luck.
gtafanatic
Non-member
where did you guys get your Chaeto? i have my fuge running for a wile now and i still am looking for some locally
That makes sense about fuge being small. I just downgraded to a 28. So I don't think I will be getting anything bigger anytime soon. I had a few scooters in my 90. I have 1 left. And I didn't have a refugium. I think they are a lot more hardy then the mandarin goby (wich I would love to get but hear they are very hard to keep cause all they eat is pods). Gta fanatic. I got mine from a buddy of mine. But I have seen them sell it at petco. Maybe ask them next time you go.
RiverRat
Non-member
@gtafanatic - You may have some luck checking out Unique Aquaria in Woburn. I would give you some if I was ready to trim, ask around this site, there might be someone ready to share.
@Nawt2tawl - Someday I would love to get a green mandarin (I'm not even close to a good pod population).
@Nawt2tawl - Someday I would love to get a green mandarin (I'm not even close to a good pod population).
RiverRat
Non-member
Nawt2tawl - Tough question. You should see them on your live rock and glass, especially when your lights are off. When you see a lot of pods (I think amphipods are the easiest to see), wait a few more weeks before adding your fish.
Some ways to get an acceptable population is a lot of live rock (probably not going to be able to have a ton of rock in a 28).
Your refugium with the chaeto will help make a safe breeding ground.
I actually think the idea of a modified aquaclear or an above tank refugium is an easier way to breed pods. Gravity and flow will carry the pods down to the display where they can further breed in the live rock. The way I have my refugium below the tank may actually kill pods on the way to the display, as they have to pass through a pump. Mandarins and Scooters will probably eat the dead pods, but there certainly wont be any breeding between dead pods.
If you notice a depletion in pod population you could add a booster of pods available on the market.
Also, make sure there is enough to feed the pods in your system.
I would also try (as soon as possible) to get your new fish to acclimate to eating enriched mysis or maybe even pellets.
Some ways to get an acceptable population is a lot of live rock (probably not going to be able to have a ton of rock in a 28).
Your refugium with the chaeto will help make a safe breeding ground.
I actually think the idea of a modified aquaclear or an above tank refugium is an easier way to breed pods. Gravity and flow will carry the pods down to the display where they can further breed in the live rock. The way I have my refugium below the tank may actually kill pods on the way to the display, as they have to pass through a pump. Mandarins and Scooters will probably eat the dead pods, but there certainly wont be any breeding between dead pods.
If you notice a depletion in pod population you could add a booster of pods available on the market.
Also, make sure there is enough to feed the pods in your system.
I would also try (as soon as possible) to get your new fish to acclimate to eating enriched mysis or maybe even pellets.
gtafanatic
Non-member
i have been going to Unique Aquaria every weekend B has none there. there was an other member on here that offered me some but he was in lowell. i am hoping there is someone local that sees this and can help me out
gtafanatic
Non-member
where is that in FL?
