Refugium and skimmer

[Mark666]

If a refugium is being used, is a protein skimmer needed? What about a HOB filter? Was thinking about an AquaClear 110. But don't want a refugium and any other filter(s) to end up canceling each other out of that makes sense?

 

[lmforbis]

In my opinion you don’t need a filter or skimmer if you have a refugium For fish only.

 

[Mark666]

How large of a refugium do you recommend for say anywhere from a 55 to a 90 gallon fish only? And what kind of lighting for macro? I'd like to eventually get it to where the algae in the refugium is the only source of filtration.

 

[lmforbis]

The algae will keep your nitrates and phosphates down but your rock will also be a major part of your filtration. I’d say 10-20% of your tank volume. I use a grow light I got on amazon. The light emitted is pink. It is a fairly large light which I have on at night and off during the day. BRS has a really good video on lighting refugiums. It shows several lights from cheap hardware store CFLs to very expensive lights. It shows how well chaeto grows and how well it removes nitrates from the water over time.

 

[Mark666]

The algae will keep your nitrates and phosphates down but your rock will also be a major part of your filtration. I’d say 10-20% of your tank volume. I use a grow light I got on amazon. The light emitted is pink. It is a fairly large light which I have on at night and off during the day. BRS has a really good video on lighting refugiums. It shows several lights from cheap hardware store CFLs to very expensive lights. It shows how well chaeto grows and how well it removes nitrates from the water over time.

1 to 1.5 lbs./ gallon for rock, correct?

 

[lmforbis]

Depending if it is live or dry. You need less if it is dry rock Because it weighs less.

 

[Mark666]

Looking at the Marco Rocks "reef saver" dry rock on the BRS site. How many lbs/gallon would you suggest? Thank you for all your help and advice!!

 

[lmforbis]

I’d start with half to 3/4 lb per gallon.