Refugium In Filter?

[extinct 1ne]

Would it be possible to make a refugium inside my wet/dry filter? Below is what my wet/dry filter looks like without anything done to it, where can I put the LR, LS, and MA? If I take the bio-balls out, I have a whole open side, beside the drip tray. Where it shows grey, there is nothing occupying that space. Thank you!

 

[catfishcity]

i would take out the bio-balls and make that whole side a refugium

 

[extinct 1ne]

catfishcity - Thanks, I'll get that done soon.

 

[florida joe]

What do you want to accomplish with a refug

 

[extinct 1ne]

florida joe - I would like to destroy nitrates/nitrites, and grow food for my Green Mandarin Dragonet (I don't have one yet).

 

[florida joe]

Take out you bio-balls slowly( can I say that) as IMO that is where you have the greatest concentration of nitrification. This will allow the colonization of new and expansion of existing bacteria in other areas of your system. Then convert your sump into a refug to add in the nitrification and di-nitrification cycle

 

[salt210]

I did the same as what joe is referring to. the hood has been replaced by a clip-on light. heres some pics:

 

[extinct 1ne]

florida joe - Thanks.

salt210 - Thanks.

You guys are a big help, I'll slowly take out the bio-balls. Then put in the live sand, live rock, and assorted algaes. What algaes/plants do you guys recommend for accomplishing what I want? Thanks again.

 

[salt210]

I believe the most common is cheatomorpha

 

[florida joe]

For me its Caulerpa (but do your homework)

 

[salt210]

joe
is caulerpa do a better job than cheato? Id be willing to try it if so......
maybe

 

[extinct 1ne]

florida joe -
salt210 -
Is this a good mix for my refugium? I looked the plants up and liked what I read.
Chaeto
Caulerpa
Mangrove (1)
Refugium Rubble (How much? Does it matter?)
Live Sand (How much? Does it matter?)
Also, is there a way to start the copepod population or do they just start from the LR in my tank? What light do you guys recommend for the refugium?

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by salt210
http:///forum/post/3060190
joe
is caulerpa do a better job than cheato? Id be willing to try it if so......
maybe

Caulerpa is by far the best form of higher algae for nutrient export. I would not mix the two simply for the reason the caulerpa will out compete the Cheato and the Cheato will eventually starve IMO save you money and forget the mangrove and rubble rock you can go with a 4 inch miracle mud base

 

[extinct 1ne]

florida joe - So your saying I don't need LR, Chaeto, and a Mangrove...and I can just simply use Mineral Mud and Caulerpa?

 

[florida joe]

IMO the amount of LR you are going to add in your refug will give you a negligible amount of anaerobic bacteria for nitrate removal your DT substraight will colonize all the nitrification bacteria you will need. You sand bed will help in denitrification though. So leave your refug plenty of room for the caulerpa to grow by just going with it and the mud. But please remember this is YOUR refug not mine.
FYI I run my refug with a split of one half mud on one side and sand procured from off shore here in Fl on the other and caulerpa that’s all