Originally Posted by
ophiura
http:///forum/post/3101204
I will say this, contrary to their "miracle" properties, a refugium is only another tool. Without proper setup and care, it will be nothing but an additional problem. You are likely adding a refugium as a chamber in a sump system.
A refugium, specifically, is a "low predation" environment (hence the name) where macroalgae growth is promoted. In conjunction, lots of microfauna, like pods, grow in high numbers (hermits, fish, etc defeat this purpose if added to a refugium). A refugium may have a substrate, like a deep sand bed, which furthers the reduction of nitrate, but technically a substrate is not necessary. Most have one, however. This chamber is in sequence with others in a sump, that may include an area of LR rubble, or bioballs, as well as an area that contains the skimmer, return pump, UV, heater, etc.
So, the set up, especially the positioning of chambers and flow through the system is very important.
IMO, yes, a skimmer is still a useful tool in many cases, though it has pros and cons and may not be absolutely required. A skimmer treats a problem at the opposite end from macroalgae...it removes lipids and proteins BEFORE they are broken down into ammonia --> nitrates. There are arguments against skimmers, including their use in conjunction with a miracle mud or refugium system (based on the concept that you may be starving the system of nitrates)...but, IMO, they can be used and most do. Most of us do not have a system in such perfect balance so the insurance afforded by a skimmer is very good.
I am not a fan of "miracle" mud which is basically an iron based terrestrial substrate. I am a proponent of using a fine sand substrate in a refugium.
For algae, there are several options, with chaetomorpha being one of the safer options. Caulerpa, in addition to being banned in some states and highly invasive, is another. It has a potential to go "asexual" and bleach out. Macroalgae growth, however, is only of benefit if you harvest (export) the algae every so often (trade in to LFS or trade to another hobbyist). This is how nitrates are truly exported from the system.
Lighting does not have to be anything particularly special. Many people use home depot shop spotlight type things though do be careful of exposed bulbs and clip on lights.
You may want to check in on the DIY forum for other ideas on how to set up the baffles and such. Definitely have your pumps and skimmer on hand before adding those baffles
you don't want to run out of space.
thank you! that basically covered everything i was wondering. the fuge is gonna be a 55 so I have plenty of room. I am thinking of dividing it into 3 sections just with sheets of acrylic. first small section for a skimmer, large middle section for the fuge, and the return pump in its own third section. do you know much about mangroves? I have heard they are the best for removing nitrates and phosphates. also what is a good depth for the sandbed?
