Two returns?

[slice]

=Bang Guy;Macroalgae sequesters nutrients based on the concentration, not the flow rate. If the flow is really slow then they can pull nutrients out faster that the water is supplying them. I have found the minimum efficient flow rate to be at least 8X the container size but more flow increases the growth rate when nutrients are the limiting factor.
I am sure I understand what I think you said. I've wondered about the "slow flow in fuge" assertion. It makes sense to me that the macroalgae is the limiting factor. It doesn't make any difference whether the algae takes every 5th selection from a fast moving buffet table or every 2nd from a slower buffet table....right?

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by Slice
http:///forum/post/3281968
I am sure I understand what I think you said. I've wondered about the "slow flow in fuge" assertion. It makes sense to me that the macroalgae is the limiting factor. It doesn't make any difference whether the algae takes every 5th selection from a fast moving buffet table or every 2nd from a slower buffet table....right?
Correct! But if the flow is so slow that the buffet table is empty some of the time then the flow rate is so slow that it is limiting the nutrients the algae are able to consume.

 

[beaslbob]

Originally Posted by Handbanana
http:///forum/post/3281929
Well...I had to read it about 5 times. But I got it. I like the first scenario the best.
So I have the sand and LR in there to try to populate the fuge with pods for Lenny the Blenny. I think the pods like the LR, IDK that tho. Plus doesnt Cheato need substrait to root into? Or should it float around?
I could have sworn that I was told the slower the turnover in a fuge the better. Gives the macros more time to work. I think that having them in a high turnover fuge is better than not having them at all.
I like having a fuge. its interesting to watch.
And whats the best tank ever? Yours? Can we see? I would love to see some fuge pics.
My tank is currently down to 2 mollys. Moving to new house.
I think the slower fuge rate is just to prevent macros from being physically torn up by the flow.
Chaeto does not need to attach and can be just tumbling around. Other macros have hold fasts and attach to the sand and rocks.
Finally chaeto comes with pods, snails, and sometimes even micro stars. And provides an excellent breeding environment for those things. So pod wise it is very similiar t live rock.
my .02

 

[handbanana]

I got like 30 more questions but Im sleepy now so one more, And thanks a whole but load you guys. Its really comforting to have someone whose done all this experementing to help.
Would a twenty gallon glass sump be able to support a full ten gallon fuge sitting in top of it do you think? that would be my piggy back plan, drill a ten thru the bottom, put in a durso and have it drain directly below to the twenty gal sump.
I just dont want the twenty to cave in or something
Thanks again Beasle and Bang<

[hr]
glad your still around man. What up slice!

 

[2quills]

I didnt realize when you said earlier about piggy backing that you litterally ment stacking them. If it were me I'd be a little hesitant about doing that. One thing you deffinately don't want to do is create pressure points for a tank to sit on. Is there not enough room to set them side by side and make a little stand for the 10G to sit up a little higher. That way you can drill on the side of the tank closer to the top...run a short piece of pipe over the top of the 20G and just let it drain in that way.
Just an idea but that's how I've seen alot em done.

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by Handbanana
http:///forum/post/3282057
Would a twenty gallon glass sump be able to support a full ten gallon fuge sitting in top of it do you think? that would be my piggy back plan, drill a ten thru the bottom, put in a durso and have it drain directly below to the twenty gal sump.
It can support a ten but I wouldn't do it that way because eventually the ten is going to pop a seam. Drilling the bottom and using a durso sounds like a good plan. If it were me I would either buy a plastic shelf or build one out of wood. Something that looks like a small 4 legged table where the 20 sits under the table and the 10 sits on top. Just drill a hole where you need it. If you make it a double-decker table then you have something to hang your lights from for the refugium.