Refugium?

[zeppelin]

Is there any reason the refugium cant be deeper than long?
With my sump recessed into the counter, I can recess a kitchen sized trash container. There is even a shelf I can build a stand up to the bottom of the container for support.
How deep can calurpa be with like an 18" growlight before its not enough light for it to thrive? Would an increase in light solve this without negative effect on the stuff on top? I would think more light would densen up the top layer and defeat the purpose in little time. Is it cool to have the calurpa just near the surface and just let all the little critters amble amoung the small mountain of live rock, or do they just stay within the calurpa?
Thanks for all the help so far!
Larry

 

[bang guy]

I'm thinking about it... I'll get back to you.
Guy

 

[broomer5]

Since the fuge is an extension of the main display tank - and shares common water - I see no reason that a deeper than long refugium would not work ~ PROVIDING you place a powerhead deep down to insure deeper water is constantly turning over in the fuge.
You still don't want dead spots.
You still want good water/air surface area disruption.
Some of my caulerpa just sort of floats around, while others take hold of the live rock and rubble.
The sandbed or deep sandbed will be restricted somewhat - but would still function. I would not make it too deep though.
4-6 inches I'd imagine would be fine.
Just guessing though Larry.
I have a white plastic kitchen trashcan in my garage right now.
I bought it for a refugium like you're talking about - just never used it after finding a rubbermaid that finally fit under the tank.
If you keep the water moving from deep to top - I really don't think you'd have any problems whatsoever.
BTW - so far your work is looking really good !
Great ideas you have

 

[bang guy]

Water current and light are your biggest limitations. I think you might want some ivcreased intensity like PC lighting. What kind of lighting do you use on your display tank? I use old bulbs for my refuge and they seem to fit the bill perfectly.
For current I don't advise a powerhead. Unlike the larger pumps, powerheads seem to kill small kritters. I don't know why but that's what I've experienced. i think if you point the intake to the fuge down to the bottom and make an overflow (to the sump??) that might just work. You can also get a lot of circulation with air bubbles but you'll have to account for salt creep.
If you have some type of overflow then floating algae may cause a problem. You'll need some type of coarse screen (1/2" X 1/2") to prevent algae from clogging the overflow.
Just rambling here
guy

 

[zeppelin]

Thanks Broomer. Trying to think it through and do it right the first time, ya know. I'm trying to stick with the "keep it up where I can work on it easier" method of thinking while making it as functional and also asthetic as I can. I've learned ALLOT from the posts on this site. Great place to learn.
Larry