Refugium Questions

[jdeb101]

So I'm almost ready to start running the 95g (see build thread here) but have a few questions in regards to how I should setup my refugium. Initially I wasn't going to rush getting the fuge setup, but I've read many threads on dry rock leaching phosphates. Therefore I think it may be best to get it running asap since I plan on using 90-100% dry rock in my system.

I'm guessing chaeto will be best used from start to absorb any phosphates that may leach? What about sandbed in the fuge? Should I add a dsb or not? Anything else I'm missing?

 

[sumant19]

Chaeto will also absorb nitrates.. so imo should not be added until tank cycles...

 

[PSU4ME]

What are you trying to do with the refugium? A dsb is good if you need it and its big enough. If using the refugium just to grow chaeto then I'd go bare bottom, let the cheato tumble and keep it vacuumed/cleaned.

 

[jdeb101]

I'd like to use it For nutrient export as well as a place for pods and such to populate. In future I may also throw a small fag rack in there but other than that not sure it will be used for anything else.

 

[Jocko]

Personally, I wouldn't put sand in the fuge. It'll be easier to clean without that and I doubt you'll see much practical benefit from a tiny DSB. Heck people argue over whether a massive DSB has a practical benefit!

I also wouldn't rush to get the fuge set up. Just get the rocks in there and let them stew. If the rocks do end up leaching phosphates, then go ahead and get the fuge set up. No rush. No biggie. I'd make it a priority to get the rocks in ASAP. The more stuff you can put off until after the rocks are in, the more stuff you'll have to keep yourself busy while the tank is cycling/equalizing.

 

[PSU4ME]

Good advice above and I agree. If you're concerned with phosphate leaching then why don't you get the rocks wet in a brute ahead of putting them in the tank? They don't need to cycle to leach the phates so you could get ahead of it (if it happens at all)

I have about 250# of dry rock in my garage that I gave an acid bath to so it shouldn't have this problem but I do plan to Presoak them if I ever put up a bigger tank.

 

[jamesdong009]

I agree with everyone else. I wouldn't bother with sand if it's going to be a small refugium.

 

[jdeb101]

Thanks all for your input. I agree on the dsb not being needed and was leaning against it as well.

I had a few reasons in mind as to why I wanted my fugeoff to the left chamber of the sump.
a) easier flow control
b) If I ever decide to take fuge offline (I've heard they can sometimes turn into waste pits) I can simply turn off it's valve.
c) I may possibly use it as a frag rack area as well as a safe haven for any fish, inverts, etc if the need arises.

So I'll probably just leave it offline for a while until tank is matured but leaning towards later using it to grow chaeto and throw some extra LR in there.