jball
Sea Squirt
Posts: 47
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Post by jball on Aug 21, 2009 10:21:18 GMT -5
So I'm finally getting a fug setup and as usual I'm in need of some advice. I'm wondering if I should use a substrate in the bottom I'm pretty sure I don't want to use sand. So that leaves me with bare bottom or these muds that some people are using. The mud sounds interesting. Most advertise they release trace elements and even calcium at a slow rate. Anyone have any experience with these?
The other question I have is what are you guys growing in your fuge? I was planning on using Chaetomorpha Algae, but then I read some people us mangrove which sounds pretty cool as well. Last question what kind of lighting would be best?
This setup will not be in my sump I just don't have the room. I'm going to be using a 15gal tank off to the side and slightly above my main tank so the return will be a provided by gravity if all works out. Thanks
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cdeboard
Reef Master
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Post by cdeboard on Aug 21, 2009 10:23:28 GMT -5
Why not sand? a good deeper sandbed is a good filter in a fuge.
Chaeto and the mangroves both use nitrates to grow. If you have room for mangroves they are neat.
Lighting.. both of those seem to like the 6500k spectrum the best. The easiest and cheapest route is a basic metal shroud from wally world and one of the curly q bulbs that are 6500k.
Of course this is coming from someone poor.. so if you have money there may be better options.
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tyler
padwan
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Post by tyler on Aug 21, 2009 12:21:35 GMT -5
I just have rock and Chaeto in my Fuge under a 6500k curly bulb... everything seems to be working fine!
DSB's can present more problems than benefits if not handled with extreme care which is why I do not have a sand bed more than 1-2" deep even in my display, although if done right... they can be great for your reef!
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Post by ADMIN on Aug 21, 2009 13:59:12 GMT -5
I like bare bottom, less problems and you can kick up the flow. Mangroves are OK if you remember it's a tree and needs constant care. There are many stories about root systems popping tank seems. You need to train the tree much like a bonsai in order to keep it healthy.
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cdeboard
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Post by cdeboard on Aug 21, 2009 15:04:52 GMT -5
True. I have a small sandbed in my fuge with chaeto
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L0S3R
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Post by L0S3R on Aug 21, 2009 16:45:02 GMT -5
And keep in mind growth speeds. If you just use mangroves your not gonna notice a difference in trates. It grows slowly so it uses little. Chaeto grows quick causing it to use alot more alot faster.
Mangroves are cool but dont rely on them.
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jball
Sea Squirt
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Post by jball on Aug 22, 2009 4:49:32 GMT -5
Currently I have a few LPS but mostly SPS. My SPS's Ive had for awhile, but Im trying out some LPS to see how well they do.
So no has an opinion of the muds?
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tyler
padwan
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Post by tyler on Aug 22, 2009 11:36:17 GMT -5
I'd probably skip the mud unless you intend on housing some of the macroalgaes that require a root system. The elements that are added to your system through the mud are basically the same as those that will be replaced by regular water changes.
I'd also guardedly say that if you have been keeping sps with any degree of success, then you shouldn't have problems with LPS or soft corals
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Post by ADMIN on Aug 22, 2009 15:37:08 GMT -5
Yep, mud is mostly for refugiums. SPS and LPS require different amounts of flow and light. SPS are happy with flow that would likely destroy mist LPS. Plan around flow for LPS.
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Post by naclh20nut on Sept 25, 2009 6:10:35 GMT -5
since I am now going to add a light to my sump I was looking at trying to sqeeze a part of it for a fuge. How hard is it to keep cheato(?) from getting into return pump?
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Post by ADMIN2 on Sept 27, 2009 7:55:12 GMT -5
I used to cut holes into clear bottles and float my cheato in my sump. This kept it from getting into the return as much.
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Post by naclh20nut on Sept 27, 2009 8:57:40 GMT -5
Are you talking 2 liter or just 20oz? My sump is so small and full that I would have to go with 20oz. Would that help any? If so I need some cheato.
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Post by ADMIN2 on Sept 27, 2009 9:05:28 GMT -5
Are you talking 2 liter or just 20oz? My sump is so small and full that I would have to go with 20oz. Would that help any? If so I need some cheato. I used to put it in gatorade bottles. |
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tyler
padwan
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Post by tyler on Sept 27, 2009 9:49:21 GMT -5
Interesting tactic, I've been having some of my chaeto end up in the display...
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cdeboard
Reef Master
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Post by cdeboard on Sept 27, 2009 10:59:51 GMT -5
Hmm... good idea... b/c i keep a frag rack down there
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