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03-09-2008, 01:19 PM
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#1 (permalink)
| | Astrea Snail
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 42
Karma: 1
 |  Refugium? mud vs. cat litter etc.
Thanks to all of your help so far I am getting closer to filling the 210 I have been asking about. It is in the wall and ready to go. The last detail I need to figure out is the refugium. What do I use for substrate? I have read many different things being used i.e. mud, cat litter etc... Why would you choose one over the other? Can algae be planted in all? The refugium will be either a 55g or 75g tank. The main tank will have fish, 200lbs live rock to start, live sand, and some coral eventually.
If it matters here is the other equipment:
3 400w MHD
2 1200 Mag Drive pumps
Extrem reefkeeper 150 RODI unit
2 Hydor Koralia 4
Have not decided about UV light vs.protein skimmer
Thanks Again | 
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03-09-2008, 01:27 PM
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#2 (permalink)
| | 3reef Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wethersfield, CT Age: 39
Posts: 6,372
  
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The only difference between "mud" and cat litter is the price  And yes, you should be able to grow plants in either.
Can't wait to see your setup once it's up and running! | |
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03-09-2008, 02:01 PM
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#3 (permalink)
| | Astrea Snail
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 42
Karma: 1
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Have you used it yourself? How deep should it be? How often go you replace it or add more? | |
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03-09-2008, 02:07 PM
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#4 (permalink)
| | 3reef Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wethersfield, CT Age: 39
Posts: 6,372
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Yes, I have used cat litter (only 100% unscented clay litter). I like to make a bed of about 3-4". I have never had to replace or add more. | |
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03-09-2008, 02:18 PM
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#5 (permalink)
| | Tassled File Fish
Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: joliet,il Age: 41
Posts: 1,998
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Quote: |
Have not decided about UV light vs.protein skimmer
| the uv will kill all bacteria including some that the corals need, imop i wouldnt use it.
a good protein skimmer is essential | |
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03-09-2008, 02:20 PM
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#6 (permalink)
| | Scooter Blennie
Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Florida Age: 43
Posts: 1,248
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Wow, you're on your way! Sounds like you have some big aspirations. Although I can't help you with the mud vs. litter question, sounds like Amcarrig has that sqared away. Just a look at her avatar lets you know she's got the chops (was that a pun?).
Anyway, if you're mentally debating whether to get a UV sterilizer or a skimmer, go with the skimmer.
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90G display tank. Kent Phos Reactor running carbon and ROWAPhos, Coralife 225 Skimmer, Typhoon 5 Stage RO/DI, 20 Gal Sump/Refugium with Chaeto/Caulerpa lit opposite daylight cycle. Coralife 2x150MH, 14K + 2x96W PC Actinics, Ecotech Vortech propeller pump, Hydor Koralia #2. | |
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03-09-2008, 02:22 PM
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#7 (permalink)
| | Montipora Capricornis
Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Columbus, Indiana Age: 24
Posts: 1,040
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Isn't the size a little bit of overkill?? _________ 55 gallon slowly growing reef aquarium, 85 lbs. live rock, 2 1/2" sandbed, 1 False Percula Clown, 1 Sixline Wrasse, 1 Mandarin Goby, Tetratec PF500 filter, 2 110 watt URI Super Actinic VHO actinics, 2 250 watt metal halides with Reef Optix 2 reflectors powered by Blue Wave 3 ballast, born 1/3/08 My Tank Thread My Tank Video  | |
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03-09-2008, 02:23 PM
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#8 (permalink)
| | Giant Squid
Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Louisville, GA Age: 45
Posts: 3,460
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ditto on what they said!  | |
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03-09-2008, 02:35 PM
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#9 (permalink)
| | Tassled File Fish
Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: joliet,il Age: 41
Posts: 1,998
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recommended size for a refugum is 20% of the main tank, so in his case a 42 gallon fuge is ideal. a 55 gallon isnt that bad, but the 75 would be. | |
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03-09-2008, 03:01 PM
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#10 (permalink)
| | Astrea Snail
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 42
Karma: 1
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I have been taking the advice of the LFS on this. This makes me question the overall design of the refugium. I will take your advice and decrease the size. THANK YOU. How should the refugium itself be designed ie. chamber setup, width of each camber, height of baffles etc. What are the specifics that would give me the ideal setup for the refugium itself. | |
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