Originally Posted by
Bang Guy
http:///forum/post/3218440
This is quite a project.
I have a few questions about the water.
How turbid is the water where you will be gathering it?
It is clear most days. Sometimes it's greenish which is good right? I am also getting the water 2 - 3 meters below the surface.
After dark is there a mass of zooplankton coming up from deeper water?
I have no idea how to tell, but there are always small/bait fish swimming around where I get the water from, even at night. The people from the ministry of environment and water also mentioned this and suggested I point a light at sunset to help collect some. The water in front of us is quite deep (6 - 8 meters).
What types of algae can be found nearby in shallow water?
We only get real algae outbreaks in summer. Currently there are none I can see, and I wouldn't know what kind
. How can this be an advantage/disadvantage?
My instincts tell me that a DSB isn't going to be viable long term and I don't believe you have any need for it. I would recommend just enough sand for aesthetic appeal and no more.
Can you please explain more?
I'm not sure what the refugium will help you with. What are the goals you have for the refugium?
First and foremost, a place to expand and install mechanical equipment if need be. Second, I am planning to get most of the water from the sea but there are sometimes where it is not viable (having red tide for instance) and I would like to be able to circulate the water within the tank and a refugium would help with the nitrates, wouldn't it? Third, I read that having a refugium will help with the reduction of hair algae in the main tank. Fourth, I've read it is a good place to grow food: copepods and others. Finally, I was hoping it would help in the water quality but it seems you believe it will not.
BTW, thank you very much for taking the time to answer some of my questions.